Mineral nutrition is essential for plant growth and interaction of plants with biotic and abiotic stresses. Mango twig-tip dieback (MTTD) is a new type of mango decline, but its impact on the trees’ mineral nutrition is unknown. This study was conducted to determine the effect of MTTD infection on the nutrient status, balance, and resorption efficiency (RE) of mango. Leaf nutrient concentrations and deviation from the optimum percentage (DOP) indices of ‘Kensington Pride’ (KP) mango trees with low (LD) and high (HD) levels of MTTD infections were analyzed to compare the foliar nutrition status and nutrient balance between the LD and HD trees. Moreover, the nutrient resorption efficiency of MTTD-infected dried leaves (RE_D) was compared with the resorption efficiency of healthy (RE_S) leaves of KP mangoes. The concentrations of the total Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were lower in the HD trees than in the LD trees. But the total K content was higher in the HD trees, and its DOP index was sufficient, while the total K concentration was low and deficient level in LD trees. Moreover, DOP indices for total Ca, Mn, and Zn were less deficient in LD trees than in HD trees, and overall nutrient imbalances were exacerbated in HD trees. RE_D was significantly lower than RE_S for the total N, P, S, Cu, Fe, and Zn but significantly higher than RE_S for K. The study underscores the significant influence of MTTD on the mineral nutrition of KP mangoes, revealing distinct nutrient variations between trees with low and high MTTD infection levels. These findings have important implications for mango crop management, emphasizing the need for targeted nutrient interventions to address imbalances induced by MTTD and enhance the overall health and resistance of mango trees against MTTD infection.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from plants have been correlated with disease-status. Analysis of VOCs using GC-MS is time-consuming, laboratory-based, and requires specialist training. Electronic nose devices (E-nose) provide a portable alternative. Three different E-nose devices were compared to assess how accurately they could detect Mango Twig Tip Dieback and Panama disease in banana. The devices were initially trained on known volatiles, then pure cultures of Pantoea sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Fusarium odoratissimum, and finally, on infected and healthy mango leaves and field-collected, infected banana pseudo-stems. The experiments were repeated three times with six replicates for each host-pathogen pair. The variation between healthy and infected host materials was evaluated by principal component and linear discriminant analysis, cross-validation and chemometric data analysis. GC-MS analysis was conducted contemporaneously and identified an 80% similarity between healthy and infected plant material. The portable C 320 was 100% successful in discriminating known volatiles but had a low capability in differentiating healthy and infected plant substrates. The advanced devices (PEN 3 / MSEM 160) successfully detected healthy and diseased samples with a high variance. The results suggest that E-nose devices are more sensitive and accurate in detecting changes of VOCs between healthy and infected plants compared to headspace GC-MS.

The menace of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among low- and middle-income countries with no access to free HPV vaccine is a public health concern. HPV is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Nigeria with high-risk HPV-16 and 18 genotypes. In this study, we explored the predictors of self-reported HPV infections and HPV genital warts infection among a population of students, non-academic staff, and academic staff of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) university located in Lapai, Nigeria. We also assessed their knowledge about HPV infections and genotypes, and sexual behaviors. An online cross-sectional study was conducted by setting up a structured questionnaire on google form and it was distributed to the University community via Facebook and other social media platforms of the university. The form captured questions on HPV infection, knowledge about HPV infection and genotypes, as well as sexual health of the participants. All variables were described using frequencies and percentage distribution, chi-squared test statistics was used to explore the association between HPV infection (medical records of HPV infection) and the participants’ profile, and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with HPV genital warts infection among the population. This study reveals those participants between the ages of 26 – 40 years (81.3%) and those currently not in a union (26.4%) who have self-reported having HPV-16 and -18 genotypes. Also, participants between 26 – 40 years of age (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.22 – 0.89) reported to be carriers of HPV genital warts. Therefore, this study reveals the factors associated with HPV infection and genital warts peculiar to IBB university students and staff. Hence, we suggest the need for HPV awareness programs and free HPV vaccine availability at IBB university.

One consequence of the global technological advancement in conventional metallurgy is the fast depletion rate of valuable minerals, which are also becoming increasingly difficult to find in pure and economically viable forms. This has spurred more interest in technologies that investigate ability of different microorganisms to mobilize valuable metals from their ores via diverse metabolic processes. This study was carried out therefore to isolate, identify and characterize iron solubilizing bacteria from Iron stones of Agbaja iron ore mining site of Kogi State, Nigeria. Crushed samples in the range of 0.25µm and 0.75µm particle sizes were cultured in a modified 9k media to facilitate bacterial growth and pure cultures were then isolated and sub-cultured for further bioleaching studies. Morphological and biochemical analysis suggests that some of the bacteria identified are members of Acidithiobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, and Leptospirillum spp. Studies conducted on pure cultures and mixed consortium of the identified organisms shows that a mixture of the three organisms leached iron ore to about 96.16%. Also results of growth pattern due to bacteria countafter 24-72hours of incubation ranged between 0.1×10³ cfu/ml and 12.3 ×10³ cfu/ml for Acidithiobacillus spp. The need to explore the molecular characteristics of these organisms with a view to generating more information on the quality/quantity of their DNA for future cloning activities was also investigated in this work. DNA was extracted using zymo fungal/bacterial extraction mini prep kit ^TM (cat #6001) and subsequently subjected to 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Visible bands were obtained with Alpha Innotech Gel Documentation Machine. DNA amplification was carried out using a pettier based thermo cycler PCR machine and electrophoresed on 1.5% agarose gel. Results of the PCR shows a visible band corresponding to 1.5kbp using this primer 27F (5¹-GAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAG-3¹) and 1492R (5^1-GGTTACCTTGTTACGACT-3¹). DNA purity check shows two of the bacteria possess very good qualities for sequencing for further molecular analysis.

Developing a dependable gas and condensate value chain is vital for the ongoing prosperity of the oil and gas industries. To achieve this, NNPC is enhancing its production facilities by employing process modeling and simulation with the assistance of Symmetry iCON®. As a part of this initiative, a simulation model was created using the Symmetry iCON® pipe plexus solver to simulate the dynamic environment of the gas and condensate pipeline network in the Nigerian Southern region. To validate the model, data from a single month, specifically December 2022, was utilized. Furthermore, the algorithm was utilized to generate projections for the month of January 2023, providing valuable insights into its effectiveness. The study also highlighted the significance of accurately estimating the characteristics and properties of a pseudo component of C6+ in relation to thermodynamics and material properties, which was a particularly insightful finding. he assessment of this property has transitioned from being relatively unimportant to becoming critically important, primarily due to the lack of condensate data monitoring at specific terminals. However, it's worth noting that the model currently has an error margin of 4-6% when predicting the data. As more information becomes available in the future, the model can be easily fine-tuned to better align with the actual conditions, allowing for more accurate predictions.

Few studies have explored the gender wage gap among farmworkers, and there is a notable absence of research on how farm wages impact household welfare differently based on gender. This study aims to fill this gap by examining how farm wages affect gender disparities in household welfare among farmworkers in Nigeria. Using survey data from 720 farmworkers, we investigated gender-based differences in household welfare. Our approach combined parametric methods (Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition) to assess gender gaps in household welfare and non-parametric techniques (Propensity Score Matching, PSM) to estimate the effects of farm wages. The analysis reveals that female farmworkers experience significantly lower per capita food consumption expenditure (₦11,486.51 less) compared to their male counterparts. These disparities partly stem from differences in socioeconomic factors, job characteristics, and enterprise attributes between male and female farmworkers. The study underscores the role of farm wages in mitigating gender gaps in household welfare, demonstrating that farm wages have increased per capita food consumption expenditure for female farmworkers by ₦6,640.698. This finding highlights the potential of wage increases to enhance livelihoods, underscoring the importance of equitable wage policies in farming. Furthermore, our findings emphasize that the impact of farm wages on welfare varies with household characteristics, suggesting the need for targeted interventions tailored to enhance identified household attributes. Addressing these factors could effectively reduce gender inequalities in farm work and contribute to overall welfare improvements.

Agro-meteorology is the relationship between agriculture and weather. All farm activities are affected by weather. Therefore it is always necessary to monitor the weather as a forecast. The aim of the research was to monitor the weather and rainwater samples obtained at Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. For the eight months periods, results were obtained. The mean results for the physicochemical parameters were: TDS (12.25 mg/L), temp (28.13 ^oC), pH (6.63), EC (24.25µS/cm), Free CO₂ (24.38mg/L), nitrate (0.16mg/L), phosphate (0.17mg/L), sulphate (0.18mg/L). The rainwater was colorless and had no odor. The mean meteorological data: The prevailing wind directions were from SE, mostly in May, June, July and November and NE. The dry and wet temperatures were 22-29 ^oC and 20-26 ^oC respectively. The maximum value was observed in the month of July. The correlation matrix showed that there were many strong correlations in the physicochemical properties. The months of May, June and July had the highest wind speed. In these months there would be a need to use a windbreaker around the crops planted to avoid soil erosion and damaging of plants.

Fish is a very healthy food that is a great source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. For many people in developing nations, like Nigeria, smoked and dried fish serves as a significant source of protein and is an integral part of the traditional diet. However, smoked and dried fish are susceptible to fungal growth, especially when the storage conditions are not right, and it has been discovered that many products contain fungi that are easily visible on the surface. This study investigated the diversity and occurrence frequency of contaminated fungi species in dried fishes sold in local markets of Awka in Anambra state, Nigeria. Twenty-four fungal isolates with varying colony morphology were isolated from the various dried fish products. The contaminating species were further subjected to lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) staining and Ten (10) Unique fungal morphology was detected. Carbohydrate utilization test was used to select unique isolates and further molecular identification showed successful PCR amplification of the isolates. The current study identified various fungal groups contaminating dried fish products sold in Awka Markets. The three dominant genera were the fungal genera' Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. These results suggest that most dried fish being sold in the Markets are contaminated with multiple fungi, posing a critical health risk to individuals. Thus, there is a need for attention to be paid to the packaging and storage of dried fish to lessen the likelihood of air exposure, lower water activity, and prevent microbiological growth on the dried fish.

Infection with the malaria parasite Plasmodium, remains a major cause of illness and death world-wide. The development of evasion strategies by the parasite from host immunity and its adaptability to antimalarial drugs has raised the urgency for developing new strategies to combat this disease. One promising avenue is targeting telomeres – sequences found at chromosome termini– and telomerase – the enzyme that catalysis synthesis of telomeres using an intrinsic RNA template. As telomeres shorten critically, cells undergo replicative senescence or apoptosis. Plasmodium, lacking telomerase activity in its human stages, exploits alternative mechanisms, accelerating telomere shortening, aging, and immune evasion. Chemical telomerase inhibitors show promise as antimalarials. In this review, we examine the potential of targeting this system in malaria therapy, with telomerase inhibitors offering a novel approach. A systematic search on PubMed using Boolean techniques identified 246 relevant articles from 1985 to March 31, 2024. After filtering, 43 articles met inclusion criteria, supplemented by snowball sampling. The telomerase inhibitor drug strategy is widely applicable against cancer. However, given the drugability of telomerase and the absolute requirement for active telomere maintenance in the vast majority of parasites including plasmodium, telomerase and telomere maintenance could well represent the Achilles heel of the parasite

Objective: To employ Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to investigate dietary intake patterns among Sudanese children aged 0 to 2 years and to examine the association of these patterns with sociodemographic factors. Methods: This study leveraged the Sudan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2014 data to uncover dietary intake patterns among 7,362 children using latent class analysis (LCA). We investigated class memberships concerning demographic and socioeconomic factors. The model's adequacy was determined using several fit indices, including BIC, AIC, entropy, CAIC, and SABIC, providing a holistic evaluation of the model's accuracy in capturing dietary behaviors. Results: Three latent classes were identified: Class 1 (55%) with an average nutrition composition, Class 2 (28%) with limited nutrition composition, and Class 3 (17%) with good nutrition composition. Significant associations were found between latent class membership and sociodemographic factors, particularly mother's education level and household wealth. The three-class solution provided the best balance between model fit and class distinction. Conclusions: The LCA revealed distinct dietary intake patterns and underscored the influence of sociodemographic factors on child nutrition. The findings suggest that targeted nutritional interventions should be developed according to the specific needs of different latent classes. The study also highlights the utility of LCA as a robust statistical and machine learning tool in public health research, capable of informing tailored interventions and policies for improving child nutrition. Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of maternal education and socio-economic status in shaping dietary behaviors of children in Sudan. It implies the need for policies that address educational disparities, food security, and economic development as part of comprehensive nutritional interventions.

Lake sediment records are of great importance for understanding the evolution of watershed environments. Various studies have been carried out to constrain the depositional ages of lake sediments and examine their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, aiming to construct historical vegetation, environment and climate patterns in Chinese lake watersheds. In this study, we obtained relevant literature on lake sediment records by searching the key word 'age-depth' from the databases – Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, the largest Chinese academic database). We analyzed the literature based on its type (published in a Chinese/English journal or as a Master’s/PhD thesis), period of publication, journal (if published in a journal), key authors, study area, dating scale, and main aims. The results suggest that the lakes in the plateau regions are the most popular research topic typically covering 100–200 years (short-term) and 500–30,000 years (long-term). The literature focuses on a wide range of topics, from past environmental evolution in the watershed to lake ecology, and provides a solid foundation for better understanding regional climate change and the preservation of lake environments and ecosystems. In the future, resulting data from environmental reconstruction with lake sediments will be needed to integrate with emerging information processing technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence and meta-analysis), to disentangle the complex interplay between Earth surface processes and global climate change; furthermore, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration will deepen our comprehension of man-land relationship and promote the sustainable management of lake ecosystems in the context of global climate change.

.(1) Background: Groundwater resources management in dry lands, characterized by climate var-iability and population growth, is difficult. Exploration and exploitation of groundwater, due to inadequate surface water is very costly. The present study employed Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS to identify Ground-Water Potential (GWP) areas in a semi-arid region of Nigeria; (2) Methods: Land-use-land-cover, drainage density, slope, rainfall, static water level, soil media, vadose media and aquifer media were selected for GWP analysis. Parameters weights were de-termined using AHP and ranked based on their contribution to GWP by experts. The parameters were then integrated using weighted overlay tool in ArcGIS 10.5 to produce GWP map of the study area. Boreholes yield data from 245 wells were collected to determine the model accuracy and model validation; (3) Results: Results classified the study area into very high GWP (1.9%), high GWP (8.8%), moderate GWP (62%), low GWP (20.70%) and very low GWP (6.6%). Validation of the AHP model with boreholes yield data shows a correlation coefficient of 71.3% giving a good prediction; (4) Conclusions: AHP and GIS can be used to successfully map GWP areas which could serve as an exploration guide for sustainable management of groundwater resources in semi-arid areas.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity are prevalent public health concerns with grave implications for morbidity and mortality, necessitating tailored interventions. This research explores the utility of fuzzy c-means clustering paired with principal component analysis (PCA) in detecting at-risk groups and personalizing health strategies for these conditions. Fuzzy c-means clustering allows for the dynamic classification of individuals into groups based on unique risk factors and intervention outcomes, while PCA aids in distilling complex data sets to uncover underlying patterns. The conjoined use of these methods has shown promise in identifying diverse risk profiles and in forecasting intervention success rates. The study acknowledges limitations, including possible biases stemming from data set composition and analytical parameter selection. Future research aims to refine these tools for clinical application. The results support implementing fuzzy c-means clustering and PCA for delineating specific target populations for health interventions, emphasizing careful use of these analytical approaches. Subsequent studies should focus on correlating these techniques with concrete clinical results to enhance public health measures.

Air pollution has created a lot of problems in the developed and developing countries. To avoid or reduce these problems, constant monitoring of the air should be ensured. The conventional techniques is costly because it requires a lot of money and time consuming. Biomonitoring has been the alternative method. Moss, lichens and plants are biomonitors available to entrap air pollutants. The aim of this paper is to discuss one of the ways of monitoring air pollution – Moss bag technique. To do this, types, choice, preparation, handling of bags after preparation of moss were discussed. From the literatures consulted, it was discovered that there were differences in the techniques used by the researchers. In all, the use of mosses with emphasis on the employment of moss bag have proved to be a powerful tool in airborne particulate and toxic elements. To conclude, developing countries should focus more on this technique because it will reduce cost of air monitoring.

Biochemical compositions of black carpenter ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) were analyzed using standard methods. The proximate composition (%) were as follows: crude protein (22.50), crude fibre (1.46), carbohydrate by difference (30.86) and energy (35.4Kcal). The predominant mineral was potassium and nickel was the least. The antinutritional properties (mgkg^-1) ranged as follows: Oxalate (1.35), phytate (62.79), and tannins (0.72). The results suggested that the ant may be a good source of nutrition.

High level of noise is a disturbance to the human environment. Noise in industries is also an occupational hazard because of its attendant effects on workers’ health. Noise presents health and social problems in industrial operations, and the source is related to the machineries used in the industries. One of the unique features of the noise associated with wood machinery is the level of exposure and duration. Equipment used in a factory can be extremely loud. They can produce noise at decibels high enough to cause environmental health and safety concerns. The mechanically driven transport and handling equipment, cutting, milling, shaping and dust extractor installations in the wood industry generate noise. The sources of noise pollution have increased due to non-compliance with basic safety practices. The increased use of locally fabricated machine in the industry has increased the level of noise and vibration. The effects of industrial noise pollution as discussed include: increase in blood pressure; increased stress; fatigue; vertigo; headaches; sleep disturbance; annoyance; speech problems; dysgraphia, which means reading/learning impairment; aggression; anxiety and withdrawal. As presented in this paper, noise control techniques include; sound insulation, sound absorption, vibration damping and Vibration isolation.

In this study, the causal-effect between carbon dioxide emissions and forestry production and trade was investigated in Ghana by employing a data spanning from 1961 to 2014 by using the VECM and ARDL model. Evidence of the long-run equilibrium relationship in the VECM shows that, a 1% increase in veneer sheet production reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1.47% in the long-run. There was evidence of a bidirectional causality between carbon dioxide emissions and veneer sheet production, carbon dioxide emissions and wood charcoal production, and a unidirectional causality running from carbon dioxide emissions to wood fuel production and plywood production to carbon dioxide emissions. Evidence from the long-run equilibrium relationship in the ARDL model shows that; a 1% increase in plywood production will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 0.17% in the long-run, a 1% increase in sawnwood production will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 0.17% in the long-run, a 1% increase in wood charcoal production will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 0.36% in the long-run and a 1% increase in wood fuel production will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 0.37% in the long-run.

In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the Kenya case of multivariate causality of carbon dioxide emissions by employing a time series data spanning from 1961-2011 using the ARDL method of cointegration analysis. The long-run elasticities show that, a 1% increase in financial development increases carbon dioxide emissions by 0.28%, a 1% increase in GDP per capita increases carbon dioxide emissions by 1.32% and a 1% increase in urbanization decreases carbon dioxide emissions by 1.14%. There was a unidirectional causality running from financial development, food production index, GDP per capita, industrialization and urbanization to carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation accounting shows that 20% of future shocks in carbon dioxide emissions are due to fluctuations in financial development, 9% of future shocks in financial development are due to fluctuations urbanization and 22% of future shocks in food production index are due to fluctuations in carbon dioxide emissions.

In the realm of metal steel and iron manufacturing, there is a constant drive to optimize production efficiency and enhance the quality of the final products. This abstract explores a paradigm shift in this industry through the utilization of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a powerful tool for achieving these goals .The study focuses on various critical aspects of the manufacturing process. Firstly, it delves into three-phase processes such as slag and gas entrainment in liquid steel, which have a significant impact on the overall product quality. Understanding and optimizing these processes is crucial to ensure the desired chemical composition and physical properties of the final metal.The abstract investigates the role of CFD in vacuum degassing, a process that plays a pivotal role in removing impurities, such as hydrogen and oxygen, from the liquid steel. By leveraging CFD to simulate and analyze the fluid flow patterns, researchers and engineers can design more efficient vacuum degassing systems, leading to improved product purity and reduced waste.Another crucial aspect explored in this abstract is the alloy melt and mixing process. By employing CFD simulations, researchers can gain insights into the movement of different alloy components and optimize their distribution within the melt. This aids in achieving the desired alloy composition, ensuring uniformity, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the final product.In addition, the study delves into the movement and flotation of inclusions, which are unwanted impurities present in the metal. CFD can be utilized to model and analyze the behavior of these inclusions, enabling engineers to design efficient strategies for their removal, thereby enhancing the purity and integrity of the final product.Moreover, the abstract considers the impact of melt temperature losses, which can occur during different stages of the manufacturing process. By employing CFD, it becomes possible to understand and mitigate these temperature losses, leading to improved energy efficiency and better control over the manufacturing parameters.Part 1 of this abstract critically evaluates the use of CFD in iron making, analyzing its benefits and limitations. It highlights how CFD can aid in process optimization, improving the understanding of complex phenomena involved in iron making, and ultimately leading to enhanced production efficiency.Part 2 focuses on the application of CFD in steel making and steel operation. It explores the fluid flow dynamics during different stages of steel production, including refining, casting, and rolling. By leveraging CFD, engineers can optimize these processes, leading to improved product quality, reduced defects, and increased productivity.This abstract demonstrates the transformative potential of Computational Fluid Dynamics in metal, steel, and iron manufacturing. By utilizing CFD as a tool to model and analyze complex fluid flow phenomena, researchers and engineers can revolutionize the production process, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring high-quality end products.

Driven by mounting environmental apprehensions stemming from the over dependence on fossil fuels in energy and transportation sectors, extensive exploration into alternative energy sources, particularly biomass, has stimulated profound research on harnessing the potential of computational and mathematical techniques. This comprehensive survey delves into optimal models and strategies, unveiling their pivotal role in the design of biomass gasification processes.of hydrogen through biomass gasification. In this study, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the computational and mathematical techniques employed in optimizing biomass gasification processes, with a specific focus on enhancing hydrogen yield. Through an extensive literature review, various models and strategies will be examined, including thermodynamic analysis, kinetic modeling, reactor design, and process optimization. By uncovering the power of these techniques, we aim to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient biomass utilization for the hydrogen-based future economy.This paper aims to provide an updated and comprehensive coverage of the investigations conducted on the potential of producing hydrogen from biomass through gasification. To achieve this, we incorporate the latest works that have utilized numerical modeling, simulation, optimization techniques, process heat integration, and co-generation in their studies. By encompassing these aspects, we aim to offer a broader and more in-depth re-appraisal of the subject matter. This will ensure that readers gain a holistic understanding of the advances made in the field and the potential for sustainable hydrogen production of biomass gasification.Through a meticulous re-appraisal and analysis of each subject, we can identify their respective strengths and areas that require further research effort. By thoroughly examining numerical modeling, simulation, optimization techniques, process heat integration, and co-generation, we can assess their effectiveness and applicability in the context of biomass gasification for hydrogen production. This analysis shed light on the areas where these techniques excel, as well as pinpoint limitations or gaps in current understanding. By identifying these areas, we can highlight the need for further research and development, enabling us to make significant advancements in biomass gasification processes and pave the way for a sustainable and efficient hydrogen-based future economy..

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the problems faced in environmental science. It has health effects on man and animals in both developed and developing countries. Research and efforts have been on it several years back. Policy statements and efforts have been published. This review paper is an added information on air pollution. In it, efforts were made in discussing these: classification, effects, methodology, case studies and source apportionment. It is hoped that this paper would contribute to existing knowledge on PM.

Leishmaniasis is the third most common vector-borne disease and a very important protozoan infection. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most common types of leishmaniasis infectious diseases with up to 2 million occurrences of new cases each year worldwide. A dynamic transmission multivariate time series model was applied to the data to account for overdispersion and evaluate the effects of three environmental layers as well as seasonality in the data. Furthermore, ecological niche modeling was used to investigate the geographical suitable conditions for cutaneous leishmaniasis using temperature, precipitation and altitude as environmental layers, together with the leishmaniasis presence data. A retrospective analysis of the cutaneous leishmaniasis spatial data in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2009 indicates a steady increase from 2003 to 2007, a small decrease in 2008, then another increase in 2009. An upward trend and regularly repeating patterns of highs and lows was observed related to the months of the year which suggests seasonality effect in the data. Two peaks were observed in the disease occurrence-- January to March and September to December -- which coincide with the cold period. Ecological niche modelling indicates that precipitation has the greatest contribution to the potential distribution of leishmaniasis.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobium play a significant role in plant symbiosis. However, their influence on the soil microbiome associated with plant growth and soil health is not well defined in the Northern Great Plains. This study investigated the effect of microbial inoculants as seed treatment on plant yield, nutrient uptake, potential microbial functions, and rhizosphere soil microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing of 16S and ITS rRNA genes. The experiment was conducted under two contrasting dryland conditions with four treatments: control, single inoculation with AMF or Rhizobium, and dual inoculations of AMF and Rhizobium (AMF+Rhizobium). Our findings revealed that microbial inoculation efficacy was site-specific. In a non-P nutrient limiting condition, AMF+Rhizobium exhibited a synergistic effect on grain yield in Sidney, Montana (MT), dryland field site (DFS) 2. While AMF conferred plant resilience but marginal yield in low soil organic matter and acidic soil conditions in Froid, MT (DFS 1). Noteworthy, variation in microbial community structure and composition indicates site-specific response to AMF and AMF+Rhizobium microbial inoculants. Overall, site-specific factors had a greater influence on plant nutrient uptake, microbial community dynamics and functional potential. It underscores the need for tailored management strategies that consider site-specific characteristics to optimize benefits from microbial inoculation.

Introduction: Rotavirus-induced acute diarrhoea continues to pose a significant health threat to children under 5 years old worldwide, despite the availability of effective vaccines. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated risk factors, and circulating genotypes of rotavirus among children under 5 admitted to Ikom Medical Centre due to diarrhea. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 294 children under 5 with diarrhoea at Ikom Medical Centre. Rotavirus antigen detection was performed using rapid chromatographic immunoassay. Molecular techniques such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), RT-PCR, and semi-nested multiplex RT-PCR were used to analyze rotavirus strains. Data were obtained through questionnaires, and statistical significance was assessed using the chi-square test (P < 0.05). Results: Among the 294 samples, 20.4% (60/294) tested positive for rotavirus. Significant risk factors influencing rotavirus prevalence included feeding status, toilet system, and duration of diarrhoea. The most prevalent genotype for VP7 was G4 (26.7%), and for VP4, it was genotype P[4] (23.3%). Predominant genotype combinations were G4P [4] (11.6%) and G12P[4] (6.7%), while non-typeable P[NT] was observed in 41.7% of cases. Conclusion: This study highlights the circulation of rotavirus in Ikom, Cross River State, emphasizing its neglected status despite its significant global impact on child mortality. Urgent attention is needed to address rotavirus as a serious public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings.

Determination of antibody titre of dogs vaccinated against canine distemper in Jos North and South local Government Areas of Plateau State was carried out by collection of sera of vaccinated dogs and administration of well-structured questionnaires to dog owners. The samples collected were analyzed using the immune-blot ELISA Kit to determining the antibody titre (immunoglobulin G). It indicated that dogs vaccinated against the disease mounted adequate protective immunity. The result revealed that 54 (90.0%) of the sampled dogs have protective immunity, with those given more than one dose having higher level of protective antibody. Statistically, the result showed that the antibody titre did not differ significantly in relation to immunity and sex, breed, age and location but significant difference was seen in relation to number of primary vaccination. The result also revealed that those dogs that received booster doses (secondary vaccination) had more protective antibody. The study was aimed at evaluating the antibody titre of dogs vaccinated against canine distemper in Jos, Plateau State.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with high rates of transmission and low case detection rates. This paper presents the challenges of TB screening and the existing gaps in Contact Investigation (CI). This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 8 local government areas with high TB burdens in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria. Twenty-four focus group discussions and 27 key informant interviews were conducted among TB patients, household TB contacts, and government TB staff, among others. Respondents' ages ranged from 17-85 years with a mean of 42.08±14.9 years, and (4.0%) had a postgraduate degree. The unwillingness of the majority of TB contacts who tested negative for TB to be placed on TB preventive therapy because of the belief that only a sick person should take drugs and hostility from the TB contacts to the contact tracers during the house-to-house screening of presumptive TB cases due to community stigma associated with TB were some of the existing gaps reported in TB contact investigations. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored approaches in TB prevention and control, addressing challenges in testing and contact investigations; this necessitates investments in community engagement strategies to enhance the cooperation of TB contacts.

Rationale: A wide range of bioactive phytoconstituents from edible fungi, especially therapeutic mushrooms, have the potential to improve health, especially in the case of chronic illnesses. Known for its anti-cancer qualities, ganoderma lucidum has been the focus of multiple clinical studies. Existing systematic reviews imply that more clinical research and methodological refinement are necessary to support its usage as a primary cancer treatment.Objective: The objective of this research is to evaluate the anti-cancer potential of the bioactive phytoconstituents found in mushrooms, specifically Ganoderma lucidum, in a thorough manner. The aim is to conduct a critical assessment of the extant literature, pinpoint any deficiencies, and offer valuable perspectives on the methodological excellence and research requirements in this domain.Method(s): A thorough analysis of published clinical trials was carried out, with a focus on studies that examined the effectiveness of Ganoderma lucidum and other products derived from mushrooms in treating cancer. The study's design, stated results, and methodological rigor were all carefully examined to evaluate the validity and reliability of the conclusions.Results: Despite Ganoderma lucidum's potential against cancer, the evaluation finds insufficient data to support its widespread usage as a primary cancer treatment. Products made from mushrooms, which are frequently sold as dietary supplements, have anti-cancer claims. But since pre-approval is not required under US regulatory framework in order to market food supplements, these statements raise questions regarding their scientific validity.Conclusions/Recommendations: The study's result emphasizes the necessity of more methodological advancement in clinical studies examining Ganoderma lucidum's potential as an anti-cancer agent. It also highlights the significance of thorough scientific validation for goods made from mushrooms that make health claims. To establish accurate claims regarding their anti-cancer effects, recommendations include developing technological methods for the purification of bioactive substances and undertaking thorough studies of mushroom products from different geographical regions. The goal of this thorough analysis is to direct future investigations and support the ethical promotion and use of products derived from mushrooms for medical purposes.

The burden of hypertension remains unacceptably high globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Workplace offer enormous potential as an idea setting for early detection and treatment of hypertension among the working class. Analysis of such a Workplace Screening Programme can reveal information about its potential impact. Machine learning techniques such as k-Means Clustering are untapped tools for such analyses. We set out to deploy this tool for the analysis of our university annual medical screening of workforce for hypertension. An anonymized dataset containing the demography and blood pressure measurements values obtained from staffs of different departments/units in an academic institution was obtained. The total number of samples or data points are 1, 723 in which the input dataset contains six features, including year category (2018, 2019, 2021,2022), Department/Unit (academic and non-academic), gender (male and female), while the target output is the blood pressure status (low, normal and high) respectively. Analysis of the dataset was carried out using machine learning techniques. In this retrospective analysis, it was observed that the mean age for this working class is 42 years old. Similarly, it was discovered that hypertension was prevalent among members of staff above the age of 40 irrespective of their gender or professional category (academic or non-academic). The analysis also revealed that there was a steady decline in the prevalence of hypertension from 2018 to 2022. From the research, it is evident that the adoption of machine learning techniques for periodic analyses of workplace health status screening initiative (especially for hypertension) is effective, feasible, and sustainable to diagnose and control hypertension among the working class.

In the last two decades, the application of composite structures in many industrial sectors has been made progressively. For the current major scientific and technological challenge, the energy transition with sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives, the polymer matrix laminated composites have been revealed as an excellent alternative for the renewable energy sector. In this context, the knowledge about mechanical behavior of multiphase materials is required. Then, researches related to macro, mesomechanical and multiscale approaches are very important to improve accuracy of the models to predict effective mechanical properties and to develop a better understanding about complex phenomena such as progressive damage, creep and fatigue. Due to theses needs, this research is a synthesis of fundamentals and advanced topics concerning to global modeling of laminated composite structures, layerwise analyzes and micro-macromechanical models, in which mainly fiber, matrix, interface and damage characteristics are studied and used in the macroscale approach. At the end of this study, some final remarks and a trend analysis are proposed based on literature consulted, in other words, expectations for the future works are made by the authors.

Due to its large hole mobility, Organic Rubrene (C42H28) has attracted research questions on its applications in electronic devices. In this work, extensive first-principles calculations were made to predict some temperature and doping dependent properties of Organic Semi- conductor Rubrene. We use Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the electronic structure, elastic and transport properties of the Orthorhombic phase of the Rubrene compound. The calcu- lated band structure shows the Orthorhombic phase has a direct bandgap of 1.26 eV. From the Vickers hardness (1.080 GPa), our calculations show that Orthorhombic Rubrene is not a super hard material and can find useful application as a flexible semicon- ductor. The calculated transport Inverse Effective Mass and Elec- tronic Fitness Function show that the Orthorhombic Rubrene Crystal Structure is a p-type thermoelectric material at high temperatures.

Background: Surveys conducted in different regions of the world showed that the prevalence rates of health risk behaviors (HRBs) in university students are sometimes higher than those found in non-university populations. This study aims to identify the prevalence rates and demographic and academic environment correlates associated with HRBs among Brazilian university students. Methods: In a cross-sectional epidemiological study, a random sample of 5,310 university students answered an online questionnaire with demographic (sex, age, skin color, marital status, and paid work) and academic setting information (housing type, size of campus, year and shift of study), as well as items clustered in four HRB domains: personal safety and violence, sexual behavior and contraception, addictive substance use, and eating habits, physical activity, and sleep. The data were analyzed statistically using bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The highest prevalence rates occurred in HRBs clustered in the domain of eating habits, physical activity, and sleep (> 60%), while HRBs for personal security and violence were less prevalent (

Object detection is complex and involved diverse requirements for different applications. In critical application such as visual impaired navigation guide and real-time surveillance for instance, identifying a particular object of instance is required and this involved a complex approach for realization. Literatures were reviewed, starting with the application of deep learning techniques for object detection; their gaps were identified and addressed using real-time object detection models literature review. From the review gaps were also detected and addressed using literature review on occlusion detection techniques. Object of instance detection in clustered scene with similar object of interest was identified as an open gap not addressed in the existing literature; even through it is vital for many applications. This research recommended an Occlusion Based Object of Instance Detection (OBOID) technique which used the spatial information to identify instant object of interest in clustered scene with many similarly object of interest. Limitation of the recommended OBOID is that it requires only system where position and distance of object is necessary to inform other decision.

No doubt pollution is a global problem which must be holistically tackled. In doing this, adequate knowledge of the sources of pollution is important, therefore the aim of this paper is to review source apportionment with reference to top-down and bottom-up methods. In this paper, dispersion modeling, emissions inventory, and sampling methods were discussed. Also, analytical methods involved in top-down source apportionment were mentioned. The two techniques are needed to evaluate pollutants and their sources. Based on these two approaches, pollution control strategy would be developed and decisions can be made in deciding the right approach to solve or reduce the pollution problems.

This paper presents the formative assessment to implement mobile portable chest X-ray (PDX) machines for Tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria. This descriptive qualitative study was carried out in 8 Local Government Areas, and 24 FGDs and 33 KIIs were conducted using a 4-stage sampling technique to select participants. Validated transcribed notes were entered and analysed using Nvivo. The respondents' ages ranged from 17-85 years, with a mean age of 42.08±14.9 years, and 4.0% had a postgraduate degree. The majority of the government officials stated that deploying the PDX machine intervention at the community level is the best means as it offers a level of convenience to the community members in the sense that there will be limited disruption to their daily activities as well as zero concerns about the cost of transportation to the health facility. The portable X-ray machine intervention should be implemented at the community level for contact tracing to allow more TB contacts living with the index patient to be screened. However, the PDX machine can also be set up in a special location, and the TB contacts can be invited for the screening.

In this study, the impact of energy, agriculture, macroeconomic and human-induced indicators on environmental pollution from 1971 to 2011 is investigated using the statistically inspired modification of partial least squares (SIMPLS) regression model. There was evidence of a linear relationship between energy, agriculture, macroeconomic and human-induced indicators and carbon dioxide emissions. Evidence from the SIMPLS regression shows that a 1% increase in crop production index will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.71%. Economic growth increased by 1% will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.46%, thus supports the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis that an increase in a country’s economic growth leads to a reduction in environmental pollution. An increase in electricity production from hydroelectric sources by 1% will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.30%, thus increasing renewable energy sources in Ghana’s energy portfolio will help mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Increasing Enteric Emissions by 1% will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 4.22% and a 1% increase in the Nitrogen content of Manure Management will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 6.69%. The SIMPLS regression forecasting exhibited a 5% MAPE from the prediction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Maize is an important staple food crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the average grain yield on farmers’ fields falls considerably short of the demand of the region’s population. In addition, the normal endosperm maize widely consumed in SSA is deficient in vitamin A. Drought, a consequence of climate change, is a major constraint to maize production, resulting in seasonal low grain yield in farmers’ fields. The objectives of this study were to assess the performance of newly developed extra-early maturing provitamin A hybrids under managed drought and well-watered conditions, compare the outcomes of multiple trait base-index and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index selection procedures, and identify drought-tolerant hybrids with stable performance across contrasting environments for commercialization in SSA. One hundred and ninety provitamin A hybrids and six checks were evaluated under managed drought and well-watered conditions at Ikenne for two seasons between 2021 and 2023. A 14*14-lattice design was used for the field evaluations under both research conditions. Drought stress was achieved by the complete withdrawal of irrigation water 25 days after planting. Results revealed significant differences among the hybrids under drought and well-watered conditions. Grain yield, ears per plant, and plant aspect under managed drought were correlated to the same traits under well-watered conditions suggesting that the expression of these traits is governed by common genetic factors. Twenty-nine hybrids were identified as top-performing drought-tolerant hybrids by the multiple trait base index and multiple-trait genotype–ideotype distance index. Of the selected outstanding 29 hybrids, 34% were derived from crosses involving the tester TZEEIOR 197, demonstrating the outstanding genetic potential of this inbred line. Further analysis of the 29 selected hybrids revealed TZEEIOR 509 × TZEEIOR 197 as the hybrid that combined the most drought-tolerant adaptive traits. However, the hybrids TZEEIOR 526 × TZEEIOR 97, TZEEIOR 384 × TZEEIOR 30, TZEEIOR 515 × TZEEIOR 249, TZEEIOR 510 × TZEEIOR 197, TZEEIOR 479 × TZEEIOR 197, and TZEEIOR 458 × TZEEIOR 197 were identified as the most stable hybrids across drought and well-watered conditions. These hybrids should be extensively tested in multi-location trials for deployment and commercialization in SSA.

Rural areas are not only faced with the problems of rural depopulation but also with the problem of water supply and water quality which is a basic necessity of life. In light of this, this paper assesses the rural water supply situation and the bacteriological quality of different water sources in the Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The safety of the water sources for human consumption and possible occurrence of the water borne diseases in the study area were determined. The study employed descriptive and analytical methods of data analysis to achieve the objectives of the inquiry. Findings showed that the study area suffered from inadequate water supply and poor locations of the sources of water: The study also revealed that the microbiological quality of the water sources used was unsafe, poor and not acceptable for human consumption. In addition, many man- days-hours were wasted in search of water. It is therefore recommended that the government should make the rural water supply and the maintenance of water quality a priority in its policy formulation.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the spectrum and determinants of child abuse and neglect in Nkpor-Uno, a community in Anambra State, Nigeria. Through a descriptive surveys design, the study explores various forms of abuse and neglect experienced by children, as well as the underlying factors contributing to these phenomena. The population for the study consisted of 1000 parents/ caregivers who are residents of Nkpor-uno. The sample for the study consisted of 100 respondents, purposive sampling techniques was used for the study. The questionnaire was a self-designed structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal alarming prevalence rates of child maltreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, parental substance abuse, family dynamics, and inadequate sex education emerged as significant contributors to child maltreatment. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the root causes of abuse and neglect and safeguard the well-being and development of children in Nkpor-Uno. By raising awareness, enhancing access to resources, and promoting positive parenting practices, we can strive towards building a safer and healthier environment for children, ensuring they are protected from harm and given the opportunity to thrive.

Rationale: Genetically modified (GM) foods have the potential to reduce food insecurity and address economic and environmental issues. Despite these benefits, GM foods continue to face significant criticism and there is limited information on public awareness and understanding of their nutritional and environmental health benefits in Nigeria. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating public knowledge and perceptions of GM foods in Victoria Island, Lagos. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 369 respondents from Victoria Island, Lagos. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The target population comprised employed adults either residing or working on Victoria Island. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and awareness of GM foods. Results: The study found that a majority of respondents (62.9%, n=232) were knowledgeable about GM foods and their associated issues. However, many believed that their community was not well-informed on the topic. Awareness of GM foods was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors such as marital status and education (P<0.01). Most respondents were well-informed about the environmental and health benefits of GM foods, with 61.8% believing that GM food production could sustainably reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and other energy inputs, thus mitigating their ecological impacts. Additionally, most respondents did not feel that purchasing or consuming GM foods conflicted with their beliefs or would affect their food choices. Conclusion: The study concludes that while individual awareness of GM foods is relatively high, there is a perception that community awareness is low. Sociodemographic factors play a significant role in shaping public awareness and perceptions of GM foods. Recommendations: This includes government should actively educate the public on the ecological and health benefits of GM foods and address any safety concerns; Implement strict border controls and food labeling for GM products to protect consumer rights and preferences for organic foods, provide sufficient technical and financial assistance to farmers who participate in organic seed programs to enhance national food security. Significant Statement: This study highlights the importance of public education on GM foods and underscores the need for government intervention to ensure informed consumer choices and support for sustainable agricultural practices.

The need to alleviate the difficulties of abstraction and improve students’ achievement in Physical Geography informed this research. This study investigated the Effects of Mastery Learning Strategy and Learning Retention on Senior Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Physical Geography. The study adopted the quasi experimental non-equivalent pre-test, post-test control group design. The Multi-stage sampling technique at four levels was used to select four co-educational secondary schools in Ganye Educational Zone in Nigeria. The sample for the study was 218 Senior Secondary School two (SS II) students offering Geography from four intact classes in the four selected secondary schools. The instrument used for data collection was “Physical Geography Achievement and Retention Test” (PGART). The reliability of the instrument was established using Kendall tau b statistic. This gave a reliability index of 0.74. Data collected were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and t-Test. The results showed that Mastery Learning Strategy has the potentials to improve students’ learning outcomes, retention and achievement in all spheres of cognitive domain in Physical Geography better than the Conventional Method. Hence the need to incorporate this teaching strategy during instruction so that learners would be guided to learn meaningfully and be assisted to retain content learnt in Geography.

Intestinal parasitic infections pose a significant public health challenge in Northern Nigeria, with prevalence rates ranging from 20% to 70%. Traditional diagnostic methods, primarily microscopic examination of stool samples, face limitations such as low sensitivity and high costs. This research addresses these challenges by proposing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based platform for the identification and counting of intestinal parasites. A total of 651 samples were collected from the 7 Northern State of Nigeria along with questionnaire collecting data on demographic, socio-economic, hygiene habits and environmental factors. Leveraging the You Only Look Once (YOLO) V8 model, trained on a dataset of 360 pre-processed and 467 annotated images, the AI model demonstrated promising performance metrics. Information-Theory-Based approaches including (CIFE, CMIM, DISR and ICAP) were used on various machine learning models (Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine and Decision Tree) to analyse the risk factors associated with the parasitic disease. The precision-recall curve, average precision, mean average precision, and F1 score indicated reliable detection and classification across various parasite classes. The accuracy (97%) and AUC (99%) scores shows that CIFE with Random Forest has the best performance indicating the significant risk factors associated with the parasitic diseases. The model exhibited a well-balanced trade-off between precision and recall, showcasing its potential as a cost-effective and accessible tool for improving the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections in resource-limited settings.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization (RI) programs in six Northern Nigerian states: Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Yobe. This study compared the programmatic data of 2019 and 2020, as well as survey data collected during the pandemic. RI program variables included service delivery, leadership and governance, monitoring and evaluation/supportive supervision, community engagement, vaccine supply chain and logistics, and finance and financial management. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23, IBM), student t-test, and structural equation modelling. The results showed that RI programs were affected by the pandemic in terms of reduced meetings and low completion rates of action points in certain states. However, routine immunization support services increased owing to improved monitoring techniques and consistent vaccine deliveries, with fewer reports of stock-outs. The most significant impact of the pandemic was observed on activities coordinated at the healthcare facility level, whereas those at the state level were less impacted. The major challenges encountered during the pandemic included insufficient supplies and consumables, movement restrictions, shortage of human resources, and fear of infection.

This research assessed the level of peer influences among the students of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki and the existing policy framework in the University to control its negative impact. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of peer pressure influence control among the students of the institution. Methodology: We used a cross-sectional design, a structured questionnaire of a five-point Likert scale as a veritable instrument for collecting the data from 30 student respondents. The questionnaire was made up of four key sections comprising student’s demographic parameters, knowledge, attitude and practice of students on the subject matter. Data collected was analyzed in a table of descriptive statistics to determine the total, range, mean and median, which were used to ascertain students’ level of knowledge, attitude, practice and countermeasures to overcome negative peer influences emanating from their peers. Results: The mean value outcome of knowledge of students fall between 2.7 to 3.3, the mean value for attitude of student falls between 2.4 to 3.6, while the practice of students falls between mean value 2.7 and 3.2. Most of these outcomes represents poor or weak weight factor which requires several levels of interventions. Conclusion: This study highlights the overriding importance of peer pressure management among the students of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki to create a safe academic environment and guarantee higher academic performances. This research recommended that the University management should commission research on peer pressure among students, the causes, manifestations and possible remedies to enable them to develop a comprehensive framework for the University.

Background: This study assessed the nature of healthcare services offered in the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences health clinic and students' disposition to access the facility. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of students in accessing healthcare services in the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences health clinic.Methods: Used cross-sectional design, a structured questionnaire of a five-point Likert scale as a veritable instrument for collecting the data from 50 student respondents. The questionnaire is made up of four key sections comprising student’s demographic parameters, knowledge, attitude and practice of both students and the clinic staff. Data collected was analyzed in a table of descriptive statistics to determine the total, range, mean and median, which were used to ascertain students’ utilization/accessibility disposition, perception of barriers to accessing healthcare service and overall viability of the clinic.Results: The mean value outcome of knowledge of students falls between 3.1 and 3.9, the mean value for attitude of students falls between 2.5 to 3.4 and 4.0, while the practice of students falls between mean values 2.6 and 3.1. Most of these outcomes represent poor or weak weight factor which requires several levels of intervention.Conclusion: This study highlights the overriding importance of the university healthcare clinic in maintaining a healthy study season among students of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and their health-seeking behaviour. This helps to promote health, attract higher intakes and retain them in the institution till graduation.

This is the second paper in a series introducing a deterministic quantum mechanics theory that is shown to be consistent with the current mainstream statistical quantum theory as well as with classical physics. The first paper in this series demonstrated how causality, physical reality, and determinism are restored and concerns that were raised by results from the current mainstream statistical quantum theory were explained in simple form. The meaning of particle-wave duality and complementarity, the possibility of a particle, like the electron, to cross through the nucleus as it does when the angular momentum of the electron is zero, the possibility of a point-size particle to have an “intrinsic spin”, the possibility of “quantum jumps” as the electron transitions instantaneously from one stable orbital to another and does that at irregular time intervals, the natural collapse of the wave function as part of the solution, as well as consistency with the phenomenon of entanglement were some of the results that emerged from the proposed deterministic quantum mechanics theory. While the first paper presented overwhelming evidence of the latter, the present paper is the first to produce actual solutions that are consistent with current mainstream quantum theory as well as with classical physics. Analytical solutions are presented via a linear stability method. The Bohr-Schrödinger energy levels leading to the experimentally confirmed spectral lines, as well as the fine structure constant emerge directly from the solution of the equations governing the proposed deterministic quantum mechanics. Recommended follow-up solutions as well as generalizations are being presented at the end of the paper.

This author is not a philosopher nor historian of science, but an engineering thermodynamicist. In that regard and in addition to various philosophical “why & how” treatises and existing historical analyses, the physical and logical “what it is” reflections, as successive Key Points, where a key reasoning infers the next one, along with novel contributions and original generalizations, are presented. We need to keep in mind that in Sadi Carnot’s time (early 1800s) the steam engines were inefficient (below 5%, so the heat in and out were comparable within experimental uncertainty), the conservation of caloric flourished (might be a fortunate misconception), and many critical thermal-concepts, including the conservation of energy (The First Law) were not even established. If Clausius and Kelvin were "fathers of thermodynamics" then Sadi Carnot was the "grandfather" [Kostic, 2023 July 24], or better yet, Sadi Carnot was the "Forefather of Thermodynamics-to-become" [Kostic, 2023 October 29].

The high dependence on light crude oil as the main source of energy in automobiles., industrial processes, source of raw material for various industrial synthesis have made the heavy crude more available in the world and open for research work on its potentials as a source of energy for the increasing population of the world in areas like energy source for powering big marine engines, energy source in heavy industrial machines e.t.c. Though the relatively unfavourable characteristics of heavy fuel oil such as; high viscosity, high probability of precipitating is a reasonable challenge to the possible utilization of heavy fuel as a source of energy in the areas highlighted above. These issues of heavy fuel oil are largely due to the presence of Asphaltene in it which is a large complex hydrocarbon in heavy fuel oil. Understanding the combustion potential of asphaltene is therefore an interesting and challenging problem that has attracted increasing attention from both academia and industry. This research work is aimed at carrying combustion studies on the Forcados (Ni-geria) heavy fuel fraction asphaltene HFFA extracted from Forcados crude Oil and examining its combustion characteristics with the view to examine it for future sweet heavy fuel generation for it source got low sulphur content, to ascertain the volatile composition, moisture and ash content. The HFFA extracted to determine physical characteristics of the HFFA extracted for fuel properties potentialities and this study was carried out to evaluate the chemical constituents of forcadous asphaltene lead-ing to the generaration of HFFA using GCMS. The Forcados asphaltene showed some good fuel properties when subjected to ce-tane number, API gravity, flash point and cloud point parameter test. Probing further with AAS for trace metal presence showed some high concentration on Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) indicating the potential for residual and soot formation after combus-tion. But still being a sweet asphaltene from Nigerian sweet crude source will be de-void of corrosive effect on machineries and heavy fuel engine if used to power it as in the case of high sulphur content in Venezuelan crude oil and some other world. The GCMS showed the decomposition of heavy crude asphaltene peaks and sig-naling the presence of heavy fuel fraction in the composition of the asphaltene while the FTIR and the UV-VIS identified the various functional groups in the compounds and the identification of signals that cannot be seen in the normal spectrum respec-tively.

Despite global efforts to improve vaccination coverage, the number of zero dose and under immunized children has increased in the African continent, particularly in Nigeria where more than 2.3 million unvaccinated children currently reside, making it the country with highest number of unvaccinated children on the African continent. It is thus imperative to identity barriers and facilitators of immunization in Nigeria with a view to formulate and design targeted interventions that can effectively bridge the immunization gap in Nigeria. In this review, we systematically mapped and summarized existing literature and data on key barriers to vaccine uptake, and facilitators influencing immunization practices in Nigeria. The electronic databases were systematically searched and articles that reported determinants of routine immunization uptake in Nigeria from inception of the databases up till October 2023 were included. The eligible articles were evaluated using a set of pre-defined criteria and the extracted data were analysed and visualized. This scoping review identified barriers spanning logistical, socio-economic, cultural, and healthcare system-related aspects, highlighting the need for a multi-pronged approach to address these challenges. While considerable progress has been made over the years, persistent barriers like distance between area of residence of caregivers and immunization centers, vaccine shortages, poor interpersonal relationship between healthcare workers and caregivers and cultural/religious influences persist. Lastly, collaborative efforts among stakeholders and communities remain paramount in ensuring improved routine immunization coverage across the Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.

In this study, we evaluated the physicochemical and microbial qualities of source and stored household waters in some communities in Southwestern Nigeria using standard methods. Compared parameters include physicochemical constituents; Temperature (T), pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) and Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) and microbiological parameters included Total Coliform Counts (TC), Faecal Coliform Counts (FC), Fungal Counts (Fung C), Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC). Comparing Stored and Source samples, the mean values of some physicochemical parameters of most of the stored water samples significantly (P<0.05) exceeded that of Sources and ranged in the following order: T (15.3±0.3^oC - 28.3±0.5^oC), pH (6.4±0.1 - 7.6±0.1), TDS (192.1±11.1 ppm - 473.7±27.9 ppm), TH (10.6±1.7 mg/L - 248.6±18.6 mg/L), BOD (0.5±0.0 mg/L - 3.2±0.3 mg/L), Mg²⁺ (6.5±2.4 mg/L - 29.1±3.2 mg/L) and Ca²⁺ (6.5±2.4 mg/L - 51.6±4.4 mg/L). The mean microbial counts obtained from microbial comparison of different points (Stored and Source) of collection showed that most of the stored water had counts significantly exceeding (P<0.05) those of the source water samples (cfu/100 mL) which ranged as follows: TC (3.1±1.5 - 156.8±42.9), FC (0.0±0.0 - 64.3±14.2) and HPC (47.8±12.1 - 266.1±12.2) across all sampled communities. Also, the predominant isolates recovered from the samples were identified as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Aspergillus spp, Mucor spp, Rhizopus spp and Candida spp. The presence of these pathogenic and potentially pathogenic organisms in the waters and the high counts of the indicator organisms suggest the waters to be a threat to public health.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy with a complex, multifactorial aetiology. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important clinically modifiable risk factor for POAG. All current pharmacological agents target aqueous hu-mour dynamics to lower IOP. Newer therapeutic agents are required as some patients with POAG show a limited therapeutic response or develop ocular and systemic side ef-fects to topical medication. Elevated IOP in POAG results from cellular and molecular changes in the trabecular meshwork driven by increased levels of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in the anterior segment of the eye. Understanding how TGF affects both the structural and functional changes in the outflow pathway and IOP is required to de-velop new glaucoma therapies that target the molecular pathology in the trabecular meshwork. In this study we evaluated the effects of TGF-1 and -2 treatment on miRNA expression in cultured human primary trabecular meshwork cells. Our findings are pre-sented in terms of specific miRNAs (miRNA-centric), but given miRNAs work in net-works to control cellular pathways and processes, a pathway-centric view of miRNA ac-tion is also reported. Evaluating TGF-responsive miRNA expression in trabecular meshwork cells will further our understanding of the important pathways and changes involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and could lead to the development of miRNAs as new therapeutic modalities in glaucoma.

Abstract: Background: Viral hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in Nigeria, where access to healthcare and treatment affordability are major concerns. This study aims to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of health insurance coverage among patients with HBV and HCV in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted at two secondary hospitals in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Par-ticipants included patients diagnosed with HBV, HCV, or both and are > 18 years old. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic and clinical information, health insurance details, and economic impact. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic/clinical variables and health insurance status. Results: Out of 295 participants included in the final analysis, 67.1% had health insur-ance, primarily covering hepatitis screening and vaccination. Being aged 31-45 years (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 5.72, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.4 - 23.28, p = 0.02), having post-secondary education (aOR: 11.73, CI: 4.09 - 33.66, p < 0.001), and being HIV-positive (aOR: 2.86, CI: 1.02 - 8.02, p = 0.046) were significant predictors of health insurance coverage. Being unemployed significantly reduced the likelihood of having health insurance (aOR: 0.04, CI: 0.01 - 0.11, p < 0.001).Conclusions: This study reveals high insurance coverage among patients seeking viral hepatitis services in Nasarawa state, Nigeria and provides critical insights into the sociodemo-graphic predictors of health insurance coverage. It also highlights the need for the expansion health insurance benefit package that covers for viral hepatitis diagnosis and treatment, espe-cially for the younger adults, unemployed and less educated populations. This should be followed with adequate budgeting and policy implementation monitoring efforts, which are crucial for Nigeria's journey towards universal health coverage and elimination of viral hepatitis.

This study investigates the utilization of Eco-Innovation practices within Nigerian industries to mitigate urban soil contamination. Soil samples were collected from various urban land uses in Ijebu Ode town, specifically mechanic workshops (MW), roadsides (RD), industrial areas (IL), and market zones (MT). Ten composite soil samples were randomly gathered from each land use at a depth of 0-30cm and subjected to analysis for heavy metal concentrations (copper Cu, iron Fe, lead Pb, zinc Zn, cadmium Cd, manganese Mn) using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. This facilitated the calculation of contamination levels and pollution load index. The findings indicate that the concentration of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn is highest in soils from mechanic workshops, with the degree of soil contamination ranking as follows: Mechanic Workshop > Industrial land use > Roadside > Market land use. The study concludes that elevated levels of heavy metals in the sampled urban soil are closely linked to improper land use practices and other human activities. It advocates for the promotion of sustainable environmental practices through comprehensive stakeholder engagement aimed at educating the populace on the management and preservation of urban soils against harmful practices.

We presented a fractional order model to capture the transmission dynamics of Anthrax infection with a nonlinear force of infection and its long-term impacts. Analysis by the standard Fabrizio Caputo approach established the model is well-posed and investigation on the stability of the model, Anthrax-free equilibrium as connected to the basic reproduction number R0

Knowledge of the genetic diversity of the available germplasm is an important foundation for crop conservation, management, and improvement. Successful breeding strategies rely on a sound understanding of the genetic diversity of the crop germplasm. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the genetic diversity of 49 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes using SSR markers as well as to evaluate parental potential of these genotypes in cultivar improvement. The bulk of the genotypes were developed in the national soybean breeding program in Zimbabwe between 1940 and 2013. The genetic diversity and relatedness were estimated using 30 SSR markers and produced 5 clusters that generally matched the pedigree information of the germplasm. The SSR analysis detected a total of 135 alleles. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.10 to 0.77 with a mean of 0.45. The SSR primer, Satt012 was the most informative. The SSR marker analysis showed a wide genetic diversity in the germplasm. To date, there are no reports regarding the genetic diversity analysis of soybean germplasm in Zimbabwe. The genotypes, EL41 and EL7; EL41 and EL1; as well as EL41 and EL42 were the most divergent thus, indicating their potential use as parental lines in the genetic improvement of soybean in the region.

Background Nigeria is among the top 5 countries that have the highest gap between people reported as diagnosed and estimated to have developed Tuberculosis (TB). To bridge this gap, there is a need for innovative approaches to identify geographical areas at high risk of TB transmission and targeted Active Case Finding (ACF) interventions. Leveraging community level data together with granular sociodemographic contextual information can unmask local hotspots which could be otherwise missed. This work evaluated if this approach helps to reach communities with higher numbers of undiagnosed TB. Methodology A retrospective analysis of the data generated from an ACF intervention program in 4 south-western states in Nigeria was conducted. Wards (the smallest administrative level in Nigeria) were subdivided into further smaller population clusters. ACF sites and their respective TB screening outputs were mapped to these population clusters. This data was then combined with open-source high resolution contextual data to train a Bayesian inference model. The model predicted TB positivity rates on the community level (population cluster level), and these were visualised on a customised geoportal for use by the local teams to identify communities at high risk of TB transmission and plan ACF interventions. The TB positivity yield (proportion) observed at model-predicted hotspots was compared with the yield obtained at other sites identified based on aggregated notification data. Results The yield in population clusters that were predicted to have high TB positivity rates by the model was at least 1.75 times higher (p-value <0.001) than the yield in other locations in all four states. Conclusion The community level Bayesian predictive model has the potential to guide ACF implementers to high TB positivity areas for finding undiagnosed TB in the communities, thus improving efficiency of interventions.

Web-Based GIS is a platform that deals with the representation, management and storage of locational information for real-time online retrieval, viewing and manipulations. Web-based GIS incorporate all the functions of information systems: gathering, storing, retrieving, visualizing and dissemination of spatial information on the Internet. In modern-day GIS serve as vital means to not only geo-referenced locational information that are been retrieved but also the development in web-based technologies as well as there involvements in decision making processes. In recent time the increased used of GIS on the Internet have totally transformed and made three distinct changes across our GIS environment. These are: (i) how are GIS data being accessed (ii) what are modes of its transmission and (iii) what available GIS functionalities are within the environment for analysis. This paper examines the applications and technologies associated with web-based GIS architectures with an emphasis on the internet GIS based structure and case studies of GIS Web-based applications in MapInfo, Microsoft Silverlight Technology and the ArcGIS Server using ArcGIS JavaScript API.

In this paper, we consider the development of algorithms for the solution of first order initial value problems whose solution exhibits exponential behaviour. Method of interpolation and collocation of basis function to give system of nonlinear equations which is solved for the unknown parameters to give a continuous scheme. The discrete methods recovered from the continuous scheme are implemented in block form. The stability properties of the method is verified and numerical experiments show that our method is efficient in handling these problems

Efficient utilization of biomass requires conversion into forms that can be optimally applied in energy generation. Briquetting involves compaction of biomass into solid blocks that are more efficient than raw biomass and provides for ease of transport and handling. These are improved when the briquettes possess high shatter index and compressive strength. Due to difference in nature and composition, it is imperative to define optimum conditions for the production of quality and durable briquettes for individual biomass compacted into briquettes. This study studied the effects of process variables on the strength and durability of biomass briquettes produced using Abura sawdust. The lateral compressive strength and drop shatter index were investigated whilst varying the temperature (100-150 °C), pressure (9-15 MPa) and hold time (15-30 min). The compressive strength ranged between 2.06 and 5.15 MPa whilst the shatter index was between 50 and 600. The pressure was significant to the determination of the compressive strength (p &lt; 0.1) and the shatter index (p &lt; 0.05). Mechanical characteristics of the binderless Abura sawdust briquettes can be improved by optimizing the densification variables during the briquetting process when moderate pressures are used for compaction.

In 2016 northern Nigeria experienced a devastating infestation by the tomato leaf miner, leading to soaring in prices of tomato across the country. Unfortunately, information on the bionomics and resistance status of this pest is lacking in northern Nigeria, hampering appropriate control measures. Here, we identified to species level, and using conventional and synergist bioassays characterised pesticides resistance profile of a field population of a tomato leaf miner from northern Nigeria. Highest resistance was obtained with λ-cyhalothrin (Type II pyrethroid) with a low mortality (18.52% at 56hr) and LD₅₀ of 7461.474ppm. Resistance was also established toward propoxur and chlorpyrifos-methyl with average mortalities each of 56% and LD_50s of 1023.51ppm and 106.351ppm, respectively. Highest susceptibility was seen with abamectin with mortality of 86% and LD₅₀ of 0.034ppm. Pre-exposure to piperonyl butoxide significantly recovered λ–cyhalothrin susceptibility (mortality = 90% and LD₅₀ = 0.92ppm) implicating the P450 monoxygenases in the resistance. No significant changes in mortalities were obtained on pre-exposure to diethyl maleate and triphenyl-phosphate- inhibitors of glutathione S-transferases and carboxylesterases, respectively. The finding of resistance to these agricultural pesticides will sensitize stakeholders across Nigeria to take action to manage the resistance at an early stage before it gets out of hand.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if tests used to assess core stability could be used to determine success in physiological tests applied to assess dynamic balance and agility for a young active population. Methods: Pearson's r correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between the core stability tests and the dynamic balance and agility tests. Evaluation of the tests was established using Cronbach's coefficient of variance as part of intra-rater reliability tests. An analysis of 18 active college aged students was conducted (males: n= 13, females: n= 5). The mean ± SD age for males was 19.2 years ± 3.22 years and for females was 19.4 years ± 1.14 years. Conclusion: The results indicate that there is no significant relationship between tests that assess core stability and tests conducted to assess dynamic balance in active young adults. With the exception of the abdominal flexion test, no significant relationship exists between the remaining core stability tests and agility T-Test. Core stability is not a determinant of balance and agility.

In this study, the olive pomace was considered because of its importance in the environment. So, this study carried out to estimate the total nitrogen content and the fatty acids profile of olive pomace. The olive pomace samples were collected from Irbid, Jarash, Ajloun and Mafraq during the harvesting season 2014 to study the biochemical characteristics of fatty acid composition and the total nitrogen (TN) content. The total nitrogen content was determined by standard Kjeldahl method and the fatty acid profile was detected by gas chromatography (GC). The results show that the total nitrogen content ranged from (0.39 ± 0.0) to (0.62 ± 0.02) with statistically significant difference suggesting that the composition of matrices and their percentage may be responsible for composition of amendments. The calculated total protein percentage ranged between (2.43 ± 0.00) to (3.87 ± 0.17). Also, 13 different fatty acids were quantitatively profiled and quantitated. Oleic acid (C 18:1) was found to be the highest percentage of all other fatty acids and ranged between (59.03%) and (63.81%), moreover the C 18:1/C 18:2 (oil quality) was calculated and C.V% showed variation meaning that nutritional implication could affect the oxidative stability of oils. In conclusion, OP by-product could give a sustainable and alternative-cheap source for fertilizers, pharmaceutical industries, cosmetics and other industries.

In this study, the probabilistic exergoeconomic analysis was performed for four industrial gas turbine (GT) units comprising of two (GT16 and GT19) units of 100MW GE engine and two (GT8 and GT12) units of 25MW Hitachi engine at Transcorp Power Limited, Ughelli. These four industrial GT engine units were modelled and simulated using natural gas as fuel. The design point (DP) simulation results of the modelled GT engines were validated with the available DP thermodynamic data from original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This was done before the off-design point (ODP) simulation was carried out which represents the plant operations. The results obtained from exergy analysis at full load operation show that the turbine has the highest exergy efficiency followed by compressor and combustion having the least. For turbines these were 96.13% for GT8 unit, 98.02% for GT12 unit, 96.26% for GT16 unit, and 96.30% for GT19 unit. Moreover, the combustion chamber has the highest exergy destruction efficiency of 55.16% GT8 unit, 56.58% GT12 unit, 43.90% GT16 unit, and 43.30% GT19 unit respectively. The exergy analysis results obtained from the four units show that the combustion chamber (CC) is the most significant exergy destruction with lowest exergy efficiency and highest exergy destruction efficiency of plant components. The exergoeconomic analysis results from four units showed combustion chamber energy destruction cost of 531.08 $/h GT8 unit, 584.53 $/h GT12 unit, 2351.81$/h GT16, and 2315.93$/h GT19 unit. The probabilistic results analysis based on the input parameters distributions evaluated and discussed.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as the main drivers of economic growth and development in many countries throughout the world. SMEs represent about 90% of the manufacturing sector and contribute about 14% of the total manufacturing contribution to GDP. Despite SMEs’ potential to change Nigeria’s status from a consumer economy to a production economy, policies that will ensure that environmentally- friendly manufacturing processes and production technology are not implemented or complied with. SMEs’ operational activities may be deleterious to human health and the ecosystem if environmental management practices are not adopted or prioritized. This paper evaluated the perception and adoption of the Environmental Management System, mainly ISO 14001, by SMEs in Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Lagos and Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria, were randomly selected for this study. The paper posits that environmental management literacy and advocacy should be carried out in SMEs. Environmental management practices involve engaging both industries and product end-users in sustainable practices. The paper concludes that the implementation of environmental management practices and culture by SMEs will abate environmental pollution and its concomitant health risks to humans, the environment, flora, and fauna. Mandatory and voluntary environmental measures are suggested as a means of engendering eco-friendly innovation for sustainable development, triggering employment, job security, and gross domestic product.

Information about molecular mechanism of pesticide resistance in the rust-red flour beetle, a major pest destroying grains and flour across Nigeria is grossly lacking, hindering evidence-based con-trol. Here, we identified to species level three populations of the red-flour beetle from Kano, Ni-geria, as Tribolium castaneum, and investigated the mechanism driving their insecticide resistance. IRAC susceptibility bioassays established high cypermethrin resistance, with LC50s of 4.35-5.46mg/ml in the three populations, NNFM, R/Zaki and Yankaba. High DDT and malathion resistance was observed in NNFM, with LC50s of 15.32- and 3.71mg/ml, respectively. High sus-ceptibility was observed towards dichlorvos in all three populations with LC50s of 0.17-0.35mg/ml, respectively. Synergist bioassay with piperonylbutoxide significantly restored cypermethrin sus-ceptibility, with mortality increasing almost threefold, from 24.8% obtained from 1.25mg/ml of cypermethrin, to 63.3% in synergised group (p=0.013), suggesting a preeminent role of P450s. The two major knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, T929I and L1014F in the IIS4 and IIS6 fragments of voltage-gated sodium channel were not detected in both cypermethrin-alive and cyperme-thrin-dead beetles, suggesting lesser role of target-site insensitivity. These findings highlight the need to explore alternative control tools for this pest and/or explore incorporation of synergists, like piperonylbutoxide as additional chemistries into pesticides formulations to improve their ef-ficacy.

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent malignancy (after lung cancer) in men worldwide. Prostate tissue biopsies are usually graded using scores according to the Gleason grading system. This Gleason score is the most popular prognostic marker that reveals the potential aggressiveness of the disease. However, inter-observer variability in rating by human assessors is a major limiting factor. Such variability could lead to missing a severe case or suggesting unnecessary treatments. This study explores the discriminative ability of artificial intelligence (deep learning models) for Gleason score assessment. The study was designed to use whole-slide images of digitized H&E-stained biopsies of prostate tissues to automate the grading process and provide a remotely accessible clinical decision support system. Custom convolutional neural network architectures were trained on 10,616 images of prostate tissues. Gaussian filters were applied to pre-process the images and improve model performance. Transfer learning was applied to train eight machine learning architectures namely: Xception, VGG16 & 19, ResNet101, MobileNet, DenseNet121, EfficientNetB5 & B7. Efficient NetB7 had the best performance 85.2% compared with ground-truth classification by experts. Performance improves as more data is available. The model was deployed and hosted as a web application API on Google cloud service to ensure remote access. Tissue biopsy images can be uploaded and the corresponding Gleason score recovered immediately. This system reduces diagnostics turnaround time, increase throughput, and compensate for limited skills, especially in low resource settings.

This study aimed at testing the effectiveness of novel combinations of chemical and physical methods to control Prosopis juliflora, an invasive weed in the Moshi and Simanjiro districts of Nothern Tan-zania. Six different treatments including manual uprooting, glyphosate, bark chop with chemical application, two separate chemical mixtures and control were tested in a total of 32 plots, which represented two land use types (grazing land and farmland) found in the two districts. Each plot covered 20m×30m plot area. Two response variables (stem count and tree volume) were recorded to compare weed population density before and after treatment six months later. An analysis of the untreated control plots, showed that the inherent growth potential of P. juliflora was higher in Moshi than in Simanjiro district. The number of stems increased during the experiment for all six treatments showing that the P. juliflora population had not yet reached the local carrying capacity. For the manual control treatment, the increase was reduced compared to the untreated control. For all other treatments, the increase in stem count was on par with that in the untreated control or even higher. Thus, we conclude that only manual uprooting had a controlling effect but not to the extent that it eradicated P. juliflora. Thus, it is for P. juliflora as for weed control in general: weed control must be an ongoing effort.

Using insights from cybernetics and an information-based understanding of biological systems, a precise, scientifically inspired, definition of free-will is offered and the essential requirements for an agent to possess it in principle are set out. These are: a) there must be a self to self-determine; b) there must be a non-zero probability of more than one option being enacted; c) there must be an internal means of choosing among options (which is not merely random, since randomness is not a choice). For (a) to be fulfilled, the agent of self-determination must be organisationally closed (a `Kantian whole'). For (c) to be fulfilled: d) options must be generated from an internal model of the self which can calculate future states contingent on possible responses; e) choosing among these options requires their evaluation using an internally generated goal defined on an objective function representing the overall `master function' of the agent and f) for `deep free-will', at least two nested levels of choice and goal (d-e) must be enacted by the agent. The agent must also be able to enact its choice in physical reality. The only systems known to meet all these criteria are living organisms, not just humans, but a wide range of organisms. The main impediment to free-will in present-day artificial robots, is their lack of being a Kantian whole. Consciousness does not seem to be a requirement and the minimum complexity for a free-will system may be quite low and include relatively simple life-forms that are at least able to learn.

Cocoyam is a highly nutritious root crop and very promising with vast industrial potentials. The effect of some processing methods on the proximate composition of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) flour was investigated by subjecting the cormels to three pre-treatment methods (soaking, fermentation and steaming) and subsequently, to two different milling methods (wet and dry-milling methods). The proximate composition namely moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, fibre, ash and carbohydrate contents of the flours obtained was carried out. The fermented samples of the wet- and dry-milled flours retained the highest nutrients compared with the soaked and steamed samples. However, the fermented dry-milled flour had the highest crude protein (5.83-6.98 %), crude fat (0.55-2.21%), ash (3.75-4.29%), and carbohydrate (83.75-87.62%), which made it the most acceptable of the samples. The milling methods (wet and dry) had significant effects (p≤0.05) on the proximate composition of the flour for the selected pretreatment methods (soaking, fermentation and steaming). Fermentation as a pretreatment method was therefore, recommended for better nutrient retention for cocoyam flour.

The North China Plain is among the regions most afflicted by ground fissure disasters in China. Recent urbanization has accelerated ground fissure activity in the three counties of the northern North China Plain, posing significant threats to both the natural environment and socioeconomic sustainability. Despite the increased attention, a lack of comprehensive understanding persists due to delayed recognition and limited research. This study conducted field visits and geological surveys across 43 villages and 80 sites to elucidate the spatial distribution patterns of ground fissures in the aforementioned counties. By integrating these findings with regional geological data, we formulated a causative model to explain ground fissure formation. Our analysis reveals a concentration of ground fissures near the Niuxi and Rongxi faults, with the former exhibiting the most extensive distribution. The primary manifestations of ground fissures include linear cracks and patch-shaped collapse pits, predominantly oriented in east-west and north-south directions, indicating tensile failure with minimal vertical displacement. Various factors contribute to ground fissure development, including fault activity, ancient river channel distribution, bedrock undulations, rainfall, and ground settlement. Fault activity establishes a concealed fracture system in shallow geotechnical layers, laying the groundwork for ground fissure formation. Additionally, the distribution of ancient river channels and bedrock undulations modifies regional stress fields, further facilitating ground fissure emergence. Rainfall and differential ground settlement serve as triggering mechanisms, exposing ground fissures at the surface. This research offers novel insights into the causative mechanisms of ground fissures in the northern North China Plain, providing valuable scientific evidence for mitigating ground fissure disasters during the urbanization process in the region.

This article examines the impact of climate change on the hydrometeorological state of some lakes and reservoirs in the Akmola and North Kazakhstan regions. Time series with values of various climate parameters for the period 1986-2023 are used for the climate analysis; the reliability of the results was assessed using the Fisher criteria. Hydrometric indicators were studied using the ArcGIG program. Using GIS to spatially analyze water climate data, 8-channel satellite images from 1995 to 2023 were used. During the study, it was found that the area of the main lakes has undergone changes.

Current trends in systemic risk literature provide new insights into multi-hazard risks that interact and compound with built environments, creating more significant impacts on socio-economic and human systems. Recurrent natural hazards and extreme weather events are more likely to compound and cascade into more impactful events, especially in vulnerable societies. In small-island communities (SICS), including large archipelagos and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the long-term impact of multi-, compounding-, and cascading-hazards (MCC hazards) can result in persistent vulnerability and residual risks. This is due to delayed responses, limited resources, poverty, fewer evacuation options, and inadequate markets and infrastructure. Using Ternate, a densely populated small volcanic island in North Maluku, Indonesia, as a case study, this paper assesses the impacts of seven types of natural hazards: flash floods, landslides, extreme weather, extreme waves and abrasion, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The research focuses on the multi-hazard impact on population, land use, and infrastructure exposures in 60 villages in Ternate. The findings highlight population density, land use, and infrastructure exposure to multi-hazard risks, providing valuable information on potential losses in future hazard events.

Climate change is challenging the agricultural sector worldwide. The pressure exerted by the altered thermal conditions drives the zonal shift for various cultivations. This study presents the multiyear analysis of the Growing Degree Days (GDD) index over the Northern Mediterranean Basin (NMB), focused on the high-value vine cultivation derived from the E-OBS dataset. To handle this extensive environmental dataset, R-language scripts and packages were applied, along with the capabilities of the GIS software. The investigated time period spans from 1969 to 2018, and the performed analysis indicates a broad shift/expansion in areas of GDD exceeding 2000 heat units. The extracted results specify the viticultural areas where the GDD index surpasses the suitable values for vine cultivation, owing to the increase of the thermal stress risk. In addition to mapping areas with GDD ≥ 2000, spatial calculations of the surface of areas meeting this criterion per country in the study area were made. In the northern parts of the NMB, the rise of the GDD index values indicates the establishment of vine plantations in the future.

One of the most concerning global environmental issues is the pollution of agricultural soils by heavy metals (HMs), especially cadmium (Cd), which not only affects human health by taking Cd-containing foods but also impacts the quality of rice. The soil's nitrification and denitrification processes, coupled with the release of volatile organic compounds by plants, raise substantial concerns. The understanding of three aspects of paddy soil under conditions of heavy-metal pollution and water management is currently limited. In this review, we summarized recent literature related to the deleterious effects of Cd on both soil processes related to the N cycle and rice quality, particularly aroma, in different water management practices. Under both continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) conditions, cadmium (Cd) has been observed to reduce both nitrification and denitrification processes. The adverse effects are more pronounced in continuous flooding (CF) compared to alternate wetting and drying (AWD). Similarly, the alteration in rice aroma is more significant in AWD than in CF. The precise modulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by Cd, remains unclear based on the available literature. Nevertheless, HM accumulation is higher in AWD conditions compared to CF, leading to a detrimental impact on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The literature concluded that AWD practices should be avoided in Cd contaminated fields to decrease accumulation and maintain the quality of rice. In the future, rhizospheric engineering and plant biotechnology can be used to decrease the transport of HMs from the soil to the plant’s edible parts.

Pollution, urbanization and technological advancements have posed stress on the ecosystem and its matrices. Globally, pollutants are observed in all compartments of ecological communities which affect the integrity of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Xenobiotics bioaccumulate and biomagnify across trophic levels or webs. Heavy metals have been implicated in impacts towards biodiversity and environmental declination. In Nigeria, wastes issues are a cause of concern and landfilling or are waste disposal approaches that cause deleterious effects such as depauperation of diversity and species decline, prompting the non-invasive ecotoxicological hazard assessments. Feathers were used to assess concentration levels of 13 metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Al, B, Se and Hg) using fast atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), one-way ANOVA was used in comparing variations in mean concentrations across trophic levels, diversity indices and point count methods were used to estimate diversity and abundance. Four avian species were assessed Hirundo aethiopica (insectivore), Streptoptelia senegalensis (granivore), Turdus pelios (omnivore), and Anthus leucophrys. (insectivore). Observed concentrations of important metals like iron were high with the insectivores having the highest concentrations of iron (2.6985 ± 0.1975 ppm) and granivores having the lowest (2.0100 ± 0.3172 ppm). The insectivores had the highest concentrations for cadmium, cobalt and chromium (0.0005 ± 0.0005ppm), nickel (at 00.0012 ± 0.0017 ppm) and least was observed in the granivores (0.0003 ± 0.0006 ppm). Selenium concentrations were quite high in insectivores (0.0775 ± 0.0035 ppm) and lowest in granivores (0.0433 ± 0.0015 ppm) likewise mercury for insectivores (0.0280 ± 0.0010 ppm) and granivores (0.0213 ± 0.0015 ppm). From the study, it is apparent that landfills are sources of pollution and poor management of wastes can affect biota (causing effects such as asymmetry and bioaccumulation) and ecosystem balance. The observation of heavy metals in the feathers serve as good sentinels due to their trophic levels and could be signs for what could be yet to occur. The heavy metal concentrations were significantly different at p < 0.05.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene and known to be a leading cause of inherited intellectual disability globally. It results in a range of intellectual, developmental, and behavioral problems. Fragile X premutation associated conditions (FXPAC), also caused by a smaller CGG expansion (55 to 200 CGG repeats) in the FMR1 gene, is linked to other conditions that increase morbidity and mortality for affected persons. Limited research has been conducted on the burden, characteristics, diagnosis, and management of these conditions in Africa. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the current literature on FXS and FXPAC in Africa, epidemiology, clinical features and challenges faced, such as discrimination against affected persons, limited awareness and research, poor access to resources and genetic services and treatment. It further provides an in-depth analysis of the existing worldwide data for the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. This review will improve understanding of FXS and FXPAC in Africa by incorporating existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and potential topics for future research to enhance the well-being of individuals and families affected by FXS and FXPAC in the region.

The study investigated the application of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) as a tool for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in a city in Northern Italy from October 2021 to May 2023. Starting from a widely applied deterministic model, this study proposed a variation to take into account population characteristics and virus biodegradation in the sewer network. The model calculated virus loads and corresponding COVID-19 cases over time in different areas of the city and was validated with healthcare data while considering viral mutations, vaccinations, and testing variability. The correlation between the predicted and reported cases was high across the three waves that occurred in the considered period, demonstrating the model’s capacity to predict relevant fluctuations in the number of cases. Population characteristics did not substantially influence the predicted and reported infection rates. Conversely, biodegradation significantly reduced the virus load reaching the wastewater treatment plant, resulting in a 30% reduction in the total virus load produced in the study area. This approach can be applied for comparing virus load values across cities with varying population demographics and sewer network structures, enhancing the comparability of WBE data for effective surveillance and intervention strategies.

The role of natural factors mainly solar eleven-year cycle variability, and volcanic eruptions on two major modes of climate variability the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are studied for around last 150 years period. The NAO is the primary factor to regulate Central England Temperature (CET) during winter throughout the period, though NAO is impacted differently by other factors in various time periods. Solar variability indicates a strong positive influence on NAO during 1978-1997, though suggests opposite in earlier period. Solar NAO lag relationship is also shown sensitive to the chosen times of reference and thus points towards the previously proposed mechanism/ relationship related to the sun and NAO. The ENSO is influenced strongly by solar variability and volcanic eruptions in certain periods. This study observes a strong negative association between the sun and ENSO before the 1950s, which is even opposite during the second half of 20th century. The period 1978-1997, when two strong eruptions coincided with active years of strong solar cycles, the ENSO, and volcano suggested a stronger association, and we discussed the important role played by ENSO. That period showed warming in central tropical Pacific while cooling in the North Atlantic with reference to the later period (1999-2017) and also from chosen earlier period. Here we show that the mean atmospheric state is important for understanding the connection between solar variability, the NAO and ENSO and associated mechanism. It presents a critical analysis to improve knowledge about major modes of variability and their role in climate. We also discussed the importance of detecting the robust signal of natural variability, mainly the sun.

Transportation systems through the ages have seen drastic evolutions in terms of transportation methods, speed of transport, infrastructure, technology, connectivity, influence on the environment, and accessibility. The massive transformation seen in the transportation sector has been fueled by the industrial revolutions which have continued expansion and progress into the fourth industrial revolution. However, the methodologies of data collection and processing used by the many drivers of this progress differ. The significance of standardized data and its mode of collection cannot be overstated as it has a major impact on the process outcomes. In order to achieve a better understanding of the impact of this, this study methodically reviewed the literature on the subject of the data collection and processing mechanism of 4IR technologies in the context of the transport industry with an emphasis on the areas of accomplishment of several studies and drawing attention to their limitations. Although the industry has advanced significantly as a result of the adoption and application of various research studies in this field, considerable focus needs to be placed in the areas of standardized data collection and computational approaches, which will ultimately assist in achieving various benefits in the transportation industry.

Ghana, blessed with abundant solar resources and has strategically invested in solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies to diversify its energy mix and reduce the environmental impacts of traditional energy technologies. The 50 MW solar PV installation by the Bui Power Authority exemplifies the nation's dedication to utilizing clean energy for sustainable growth. This study seeks to close the knowledge gap by providing a detailed analysis of the system's performance under different weather conditions, particularly on days with abundant sunshine and those with cloudy skies. The research consists of one-year monitoring data of the climatic and AC energy output fed into the grid. This data was used to analyze PV performance on each month's sunniest and cloudiest days. The results show that the total amount of AC energy output fed into the grid each month on the sunniest day varies between 229.3 MWh in December and 278.0 MWh in November, while the total amount of AC energy output fed into the grid each month on the cloudiest day varies between16.1 MWh in August and 192.8 MWh in February. Also, the percentage variation in energy produced between the sunniest and cloudiest days within a month ranges from 16.9% (December) to 94.1% (August). The reference and system yield analysis showed that the PV plant has a high conversion efficiency of 91.3%; however, only the sunniest and overcast days had an efficiency of 38% and 92%, respectively. The BPA plant's performance can be enhanced by using this analysis to identify erratic power generation on sunny days and schedule timely maintenance to keep the plant's performance from deteriorating. Optimizing a solar PV system's design, installation, and operation can significantly improve its AC energy output, performance ratio, and capacity factor on sunny and cloudy days.

The unified Mittag-Leffler (ML) function is important factor in formulation of compact form of fractional integrals. In this paper estimations of integral operators, with the unified ML function as kernel are given. The Hadamard inequality in the form of fractional integrals is proved by considering refinement of convexities. These estimations provide various inequalities as refinements of recently published results.

Marine sand, in addition to oil and gas resources, is the second largest marine mineral resource. The rational development and utilization of marine sand resources are conducive to the growth of the marine economy. Marine sand can be categorized into surface marine sand and buried marine sand. Buried marine sand deposits are buried beneath the sea floor, making it challenging to locate them due to their thin distribution. Consequently, there exist numerous technical difficulties associated with marine sand exploration. In this study, various geophysical methods such as sub-bottom profile survey and single-channel seismic survey were employed in the northern offshore waters of the South China Sea along with offshore engineering geological drilling. As a result, two distinct marine sand bodies were delineated within the study area. Additionally, five reflective interfaces (R0, R1, R2, R3 and R4) were identified from top to bottom. These interfaces can be divided into five seismic sequences: A2, B2, C2, D2 and E2 respectively. Three sets of strata were recognized: the Quaternary Holocene Marine sedimentary layer (Q4m), the Upper Pleistocene alluvial layer, and the diluvial sedimentary layer (Q3al+pl) as well as the Upper Pleistocene Marine sedimentary layer (Q3m). Sequence A2 and B2 corresponded to Quaternary Holocene Formation (Q4m) within the study area while sequence C2 corresponded to B2 as well as upper Pleistocene alluvial and alluvial deposits (Q3al+pl), which represent one of the main occurring layers of sand in this region. Lastly, E2 represents a layer composed mainly of silty clay and round gravel known as upper Pleistocene marine sediment layer (Q3m). In total, two ore bodies containing marine sand have been discovered during this study. The estimated total resource amounts approximately 46 million m³ with an average thickness around 11 meters.

External hoof characteristics, balance, and conformation have been extensively studied in horses; however, mules remain understudied in these aspects. This study evaluated the size, shape, and symmetry of untrimmed and unshod forelimb hooves, compared the symmetry between forelimb hooves and stratified external forelimb hoof measurements based on the body condition score of mules raised in the foothill plains of northern Thailand. The forelimb hooves of 38 mules were photographed and 33 parameters, including angular and linear measurements, were analyzed. Despite the absence of shoeing and trimming, these mules exhibited optimal left-right forelimb hoof symmetry, with no significant (p < 0.05) differences in: outer wall length and inner wall length (OWL - IWL); sole length and sole width (SLS - SW); dorsal hoof wall length and heel length (DHWL - HL); and frog length and frog width (FL - FW). However, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed within each body condition score group for forelimb hoof measurements for DHWL, IWL, heel separation (HS), heel bulb distance (HBD), SW, FW, and FL. These findings provide valuable insights into mule welfare and management, contributing to understanding of the interplay between overall health and hoof conformation in the study area.

The study aims at evaluating the demand of forest bathing in the Northern Italy’s regions underlining the willingness to pay and the potential tourists’ habits and flows on attending alpine contexts. Through the submission of a questionnaire, the sample’s answers have been analyzed employing a stratified sampling methodology considering three different macro areas (Northwest regions, Northeast regions, and Friuli Venezia Giulia region). After analyzing the sample attitudes, the research approached the estimation section by calculating the flow as the number of potential forest bathing hikes per year and the willingness to pay trough the Contingent Valuation Method. The main results indicate that Forest Bathing activity in Northern Italy have a considerable monetary value and it is generally compared with positive feelings, particularly concerning well-being, and fascination factors.

European strategic policy directions towards a sustainable blue economy have strengthened interest in maritime investments, thus increasing sectoral competition for marine space. Emerging repercussions out of such a rising interest need to be handled by Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as a means for: properly allocating marine space to diverse uses; managing conflicts and promoting synergies among them; and pursuing a multi-use perspective of this space. A critical stage of each MSP exercise is the exploration of land-based spatial/developmental directions and their current or potential repercussions in the marine environment in order for constraints but also perspectives in policy choices/maritime uses in the MSP context to be featured; and attainment of a successful coherence or coordination between land and marine spatial/developmental policies to be ensured, by analyzing Land-Sea-Interaction (LSI) and embedding it in the MSP. The latter is the focus of this paper aiming to illuminate critical issues emerging from land-based (terrestrial) policy frameworks for feeding MSP endeavors; and is accomplished in the Northern Aegean Sea, Greece. Towards this end, a multilevel approach is adopted, delving into diverse policy contexts at the local, regional and national/European level and aiming to attain more informed MSP decisions in the specific study region.

The use of biomass as a source of energy has been identified to be energy intensive which involves high cost of handling. However, pelletization reduces the bulk density of biomass, thereby reducing the cost of handling and enhancing ease of use. This study modified and evaluated an existing hand operated fish feed pelleting machine. The parts of the machine that were redesigned are hopper and power transmission unit. Corncob was used to evaluate the modified machine using die hole diameter (5,6 and 7 mm) and binder quantity (0, 2.5 and 5 wt%) as factors. The average results obtained for machine efficiency, throughput, pellet length and bulk density were 58.83%, 4.24 kg/h, 15.51 mm and 0.160 g/cm3. Die hole diameter had significant effect on pellet length only. Binder quantity had significant effect on machine efficiency, throughput and pellet length. Machine efficiency and throughput reduces as the quantity of binder increases and pellet length increases with increasing quantity of binder.

This study addresses the importance of conducting mass movement susceptibility mapping and hazard assessment using quantitative techniques, including machine learning, in the Northern Lima Commonwealth (NLC). Previous exploration of the topographic variables revealed high correlation and multicollinearity among some of them, which led to dimensionality reduction through principal component analysis (PCA). Six susceptibility models were generated using weights of evidence, logistic regression, multilayer perceptron, support vector machine, random forest, and naive Bayes methods to produce quantitative susceptibility maps and assess the hazard associated with two scenarios: the first being an El Niño phenomenon and the second being an earthquake exceeding 8.8Mw. The main findings indicate that machine learning models exhibit excellent predictive performance for the presence and absence of mass movement events, as all models surpassed an AUC value of &gt;0.9, with the random forest model standing out. In terms of hazard levels, in the event of an El Niño phenomenon or an earthquake exceeding 8.8Mw, approximately 40% of the NLC area would be exposed to the highest hazard levels. It also highlights the importance of integrating methodologies to reduce model uncertainty, such as comprehensive analysis of variables supported by high quality data and organized workflows. The findings of this research are expected to serve as a supportive tool for land managers in formulating effective disaster prevention and risk reduction strategies.

Asymptotic theories for fractional cointegrations have been extensively studied in the context of time series data, with numerous empirical studies and tests developed. However, most of the previously developed testing procedures for fractional cointegration were primarily designed for time series data. This paper proposes a generalized residual-based test for fractionally cointegrated panels with fixed effects. The test development is based on bivariate panel series with the regressor assumed to be fixed across cross-sectional units. The proposed test procedure accommodates any integration order between [0,1], and it is asymptotically normal under the null hypothesis. Monte Carlo experiments demonstrate that the test exhibits better size and power compared to a similar residual-based test across varying sample sizes.

ABSTRACT Lubricants play a crucial role in reducing friction and wear between surfaces in relative motion. Engine oil, as a lubricant, is specifically designed to minimize friction and wear between the moving parts of different equipment and machinery. Engine oil blending serves the purpose of adjusting the variety of lubricants available to meet specific performance requirements. Through blending, it is possible to tailor the characteristics of the lubricating oil, such as viscosity, stability, and additive content, to optimize its effectiveness in reducing friction, protecting engine components, and enhancing overall equipment performance. By customizing lubricant formulations through blending, manufacturers can address the diverse lubrication needs of modern engines and machinery, ensuring smooth operation, longevity, and efficiency.To enhance the quality of the lubricant and achieve the desired high-performance multi-grade engine oil, a systematic approach was followed. The process began with testing the specific gravity of the oil using a hydrometer and thermometer to ensure accurate measurements. Subsequently, 5 liters of base oil were carefully measured and poured into a stainless steel reactor pot to serve as the blending vessel. Following this, 1 liter of paraffin oil (100N) was added to the base oil to introduce specific properties to the blend. To further optimize the formulation, 0.42 kg (7% of the total blend) of additives, including a selection of specific performance-enhancing compounds, was incorporated. These additives, such as Aspen, Tackifier, and other essential components like anti-wear, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, and antioxidants, were meticulously measured and added to the mix. Through this precise blending process, the goal was to craft a high-quality multi-grade engine oil that meets the stringent performance requirements for various operating conditions and equipment types. After the melted Aspen and dissolved tackifier were added to the mixture, thorough stirring was carried out to ensure uniform distribution until a homogeneous blend was achieved. The mixture was then exposed to heat to facilitate the reaction between the base oil and additives, reaching a temperature of 70°C for optimal blending. Subsequently, 0.5 kg of viscosity index improver was introduced into the mixture and stirred continuously for a period of 5 minutes to ensure proper integration. Following this step, 5 grams of dye were carefully added to the mixture, and stirring was continued to evenly disperse the coloring agent throughout the blend. This meticulous process aimed to ensure that all components were effectively incorporated, facilitating the production of a high-quality, customized multi-grade engine oil with enhanced performance characteristics and optimal lubricating properties. After subjecting the mixture to a temperature of 70°C, the heat source was removed, allowing the product to gradually cool down to room temperature, which was estimated to be around 30°C. Following this cooling process, the product underwent a filtration step to remove any residual impurities present in the mixture. A sample of the purified product was then extracted for further analysis. Quality control tests were meticulously carried out on the sample to ensure that the product met the rigorous standards set by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The results obtained from the quality control tests were highly promising, indicating that the product indeed complied with the stringent specifications outlined by the regulatory body. This adherence to quality standards is essential in ensuring the product's reliability and performance in various applications. The successful outcome of the quality control test underscores the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence in the production process. The rigorous quality control procedures implemented in the analysis of the product highlight the commitment to upholding high standards of quality and safety in the manufacturing process. By consistently meeting and exceeding industry regulations and standards, the product not only demonstrates its reliability but also reflects a dedication to customer satisfaction and product excellence. The adherence to the SON standards showcases a commitment to producing top-quality products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers and industry stakeholders alike.

Antimony (Sb) has gained significance as a critical raw material (CRM) within the European Union (EU) due to its strategic importance in various industrial sectors, particularly in the textile industry for flame retardants and as a component of Sb-based semiconductor materials. Moreover, Sb is emerging as a potential alternative for anodes used in lithium-ion batteries, a key element in the Energy transition. This study focused on exploring the feasibility of identifying and quantifying Sb mineralizations through the spectral signature of soils using reflectance spectroscopy, a non-invasive remote sensing technique, and by employing deep learning algorithms such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Common signal preprocessing techniques were applied to the spectral data, and the soils were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Despite achieving high R-squared values, the study faces a significant challenge of generalization of the model to new data. Despite the limitations, this study provides valuable insights into potential strategies for future research in this field.

An increasing need for better agricultural practices that are sustainable to provide increased yields of crops for the ever increasing food demand to be met for the growing world population is a current necessity. It is estimated by the UN that in 2050 the world’s populace may be as much as 9.8 billion global, yet, farmers still face several obstacles, which includes soil degradation, extreme temperatures, and drought which as increasingly becoming more severe with climate changes. Plant health monitoring is a method that will help to increase awareness about plant enhancing by studying how to increase crop yields while decreasing the environmental impacts. The use of low-cost, controlled environments, soil quality, water levels, and pathogenic and pests attacks can be regularly monitored. Currently, several diagnostic technologies and portable point-of-use methods and technologies are employed for detection of diseases, although, the current available lab-based methods used for plant’s diagnostics test are inadequate for plant point-of-use monitoring. The promotion of use of these point of use methods will enable pathogen detection, poor plant growth, unsuitable environmental conditions and nutrient use efficiency allowing for immediate and timely corrective actions to ensure minimal damage to the plants with maximal yield. Increase in the use of sustainable agri practices are required for ensuring higher yields with minimal inputs and that are non-destructive to the land and the use of improved methodologies and technologies will be useful tools for achieving sustainable agriculture.

This study is centred on Insecurity and Electoral Administration in Nigeria. Elections are the leading mechanism for selecting governments and a cardinal feature of democratisation. The quest for fair representation, development, good governance, inclusiveness and a true sense of belonging has been the driving force for election. The conduct of credible elections remains one of the thorny and fundamental issues in a democracy. The trajectory of electoral administration in Nigeria is long and tortuous; it precedes independence and is punctuated by the elite's scheming and cunning, electoral fraud, gimmicks and violence. Nigeria has had its fair share of insecurity from diverse sources such as banditry, insurgency, recurring violent religious crises, ethnic, resource and poverty-induced militancy, and crises occasioned by the clamour for self-determination. This has left the electoral management body in a quandary and has undoubtedly imperilled the administration of elections in Nigeria and equally accentuated the temerity for a holistic approach in reversing the trend and engendering the right atmosphere for the administration of elections. This study depends mainly on secondary sources and uses qualitative means in data analysis. It is revealed in this study that violence and various degrees of interruptions have taken the front burner in the democratisation process and are one of the dangerous dimensions in electoral administration; electoral politics remains one of the remarkable principal bases of clashes, political failure and social dislocation, Elections and their administration are some of the most complicated, time-sensitive activities undertaken by any country which will be exacerbated by insecurity. Democratic elections are successful when the electorate can make informed decisions; when faith in the process is sustained; when fraud is disincentivised, detected and punished. When insecurity is whittled down, mitigated or eradicated. The need for electoral security can never be overemphasised.

Artificial intelligence provides a new research concept for digital image processing. However, at present, artificial intelligence is rarely introduced into the teaching of digital image processing in colleges and universities, and there are problems such as obsolete teaching content, single teaching methods, and simple course experiments, which affect the teaching effect and are not conducive to the cultivation of comprehensive and innovative talents. Digital image processing technology brings more possibilities to communication engineering and makes communication more convenient. For example, video calls and photo transmission make people's communication methods in daily life more and more diversified. Time and space limitations allow people to meet online, creating more communication possibilities. However, there are still many problems and methods worthy of in-depth exploration. Therefore, this paper has a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the traditional and deep learning methods of digital image processing to improve the relevant project practice and scientific research exploration ability and refer for similar research conclusions.

Scientific studies on the impact of wood species on solid fuel production, performance, and sustainability are grossly inadequate. The knowledge of this is imperative as users of solid fuels are increasing rapidly, especially in Africa. On this note, it becomes necessary to explore measures that will improve its efficiency and sustainability as an energy source. This study investigates some properties of selected wood species used as an energy source in Nigeria and their pelleting potential. Nine (9) samples were characterized and assessed for suitability of pelleting following four wood pellet quality standards. The findings revealed Anogeissus leiocarpus as the species with the best rating score in terms of fuel properties while Vitellaria paradoxa as the lowest. However, in terms of conformity with the four wood pellets standards, Khaya senegalensis, Parkia biglobosa and Anogeissus leiocarpus having presented density, calorific value, sulfur, arsenic, cadmium, and lead within the limits of the wood pellet quality standards were considered the best wood species in terms of fuel suitability and pelleting potential. The findings therefore suggest that not all wood species are suitable as fuel. Thus, for species that do not meet the standard wood pellet requirements, alternatives such as the use of biomass blends, additives, or process adjustments can be employed to adapt the quality to the standards or by using the fuels in improved cookstoves.

Understanding morphological and genetic diversity of forest trees is essential to facilitate their conservation, sustainable management and genetic improvement for addressing the economic and environmental demands and challenges. We have examined variation in morphometric seed and pod traits and seed germination of multipurpose and widely distributed forest tree Albizia lebbek (Indian siris) from 12 provenances covering the species’ range in northern India and its relationships with bioclimatic factors. Highly significant inter-provenance variation was observed in seed size (seed length (SL), seed width (SW), SW/SL, SL×SW), seed mass (1000 seed weight), pod size (pod length (PL), pod width (PW), PW/PL), seed germination, number of seeds per pod, and insect infected seeds (IIS). The provenance effect contributed a major portion to the total phenotypic variance. Morphometric variation in all traits except for IIS was not clinal related to longitude, latitude, altitude or rainfall. There was an indication of the presence of ecotypic variation. IIS showed clinal variation with significant negative correlation with latitude. Most seed size and pod size traits showed positive correlations with several temperature bioclimatic factors and negative correlations with several precipitation bioclimatic factors. Our results have significance for genetic improvement, population genetics and genomics studies and conservation and sustainable management of A. lebbek genetic resources.

A reduction in population sodium (as salt) consumption is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and it is a global health priority. High potassium intake is also recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease. To establish effective policies for setting targets and monitoring effectiveness within each country, the current level of consumption should be known. Greece lacks data on actual sodium and potassium intakes. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess dietary salt (using sodium as biomarker) and potassium intakes in a sample of healthy adults in northern Greece and to determine whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet is related to different sodium intakes or sodium-to-potassium ratio. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Thessaloniki greater metropolitan area (northern Greece) (n=252, aged 18-75 years, 45.2% males). Participants’ dietary sodium and potassium intakes were determined by 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretions. In addition, we estimated their adherence to Mediterranean diet by the use of an 11-item MedDietScore (range 0-55). The mean sodium excretion was 175 (SD 72) mmol/day, equivalent to 4,220 (1,745) mg of sodium or 10.7 (4.4) g of salt per day and potassium excretion was 65 (25) mmol/day, equivalent to 3,303 (1,247) mg/day. Men had higher sodium and potassium excretions compared to women. Only 5.6% of the sample had salt intake <5g/d, which is the target intake recommended by the WHO. Mean sodium-to-potassium excretion ratio was 2.82 (1.07). There was no significant difference in salt or potassium intake or their ratio across MedDietScore quartiles. No significant relationships were found between salt intake and adherence to Mediterranean diet, suggesting that the perception of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet does not hold when referring to salt consumption. These results suggest the need for a larger nation-wide survey on salt intake in Greece and underline the importance of continuation of salt reduction initiatives in Greece.

The aquifer delineation using a hydrogeophysical survey was carried out in De Aar, a small town in the eastern part of the Karoo supergroup, Northern Cape, South Africa. In this re-gion, the current approach for estimating recharge, water allocation plans, and water monitoring does not consider the existence of different types of aquifers. Instead, it assumes there is one aquifer system and therefore the area might have one value of recharge. This study aimed to delineate aquifers into unconfined and confined aquifers for estimating recharge and demonstrate the use of geophysics techniques in delineating aquifer systems. Six VES stations and seven profile lines were measured using a Wenner array configuration and ground magnetotelluric method, respectively. VES data was processed using IPI2win software while electric potential difference curve was in-terpreted together with lithological data. Four significant layers of low (0.9-8.1 Ωm), moderate (22.4-125 Ωm), and high 68-177 Ωm) resistivity values were delineated suggestive of the different lithological formations. The subsurface profile mapping using ground magentotelluric methods did not suggest groundwater accumulations below 50 m, instead supported shallow groundwater potentials boreholes. These results have provided a double layer aquifer system thereby suggesting that recharge estimation need to be carried out in two different aquifer systems to enhance water allocation plans, and water monitoring in groundwater-dependent areas similar to prevailing conditions in the current study area.

Psoriasis is a lifelong, systemic, immune mediated inflammatory skin condition, affecting 1-3% of the world’s population, with an impact on quality of life similar to diseases like cancer or diabetes. Genetics are the single largest risk factor in psoriasis, with GWAS studies showing that many psoriasis risk genes lie along the IL23/Th17 axis. Potential psoriasis risk genes determined through GWAS can be annotated and characterised using functional genomics, allowing the identification of novel drug targets and the repurposing of existing drugs. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex and focusing on the IL23/Th17 axis can provide insight into key cell types, cytokines and intracellular signaling pathways involved. Examination of currently available biological treatments, time to relapse post drug withdrawal and rates of drug primary/secondary drug failure show the need for greater understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms of psoriasis and how they can impact treatment. This could allow for patient stratification towards the treatment most likely reduce dis-ease burden for the longest period possible.

Danyore Valley area is a new prospect of copper-gold mineralization in the Gilgit-Baltistan province, Kohistan terrane, northern Pakistan. The mineralization is Cu-Au vein-type, localized within quartz veins and controlled by a fracture system mainly trending NW and NE. The host units belong to the Ladakh-Kohistan arc terrane, which covers northern Pakistan and north-western India and mainly comprises Precambrian basement units, Paleozoic to Cenozoic magmatic rocks, and sedimentary strata. The mineralized wall rocks consist of Mesozoic gabbro and diorite, which have undergone an intensive hydrothermal alteration. The study area, Danyore Valley, has yet to be explored. The geological background and mineralization type in literature are scarce. Moreover, the tectonic setting, petrogenesis, age, and magmatic evolution of the gabbro-diorite hosting unit still need to be better understood. Furthermore, the sources of metals and mineralized fluids and the types of mineralization and alteration are also unexplored. This research's contribution presents the field investigation, microscopic observations, whole rock geochemistry (major, trace, and REE), mineral analysis (EPMA), in situ LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb age dating, and zircon trace elements data for Danyore Valley Cu-Au prospect of Kohistan Batholith. The current research work's objectives are to (a) constrain the emplacement ages of the Danyore Valley host rocks, (b) determine the petrogenesis and tectonic environment of the gabbro-diorite wall rocks, and (c) identify the mineralization style and alteration patterns of Cu-Au occurrences. The U-Pb isotopic data of studied zircons from Danyore Valley diorite specimens yielded concordia ages from 111.60 ± 0.90 Ma to 112.18 ± 0.74 Ma. Correspondingly, the gabbro rock sample displayed a concordia age of 110.21 ± 0.99 Ma, indicating the crystallization time of the host bodies is mainly the early cretaceous period (∼110 Ma). The findings of this study reveal that the calc-alkaline affinity and arc-like geochemical characteristics of the gabbro and diorite rocks have been characterized by a significant enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and an apparent depletion in high-field strength elements. The parent magma probably originated from a partial melting process of mantle depletion, and geochemical traits are characteristic of magmas associated with subduction zones. The Danyore Valley area of Kohistan terrane is defined by the existence of several mineralized quartz veins, which are mainly sulfide assemblages. The sulfide ore is mainly comprised of chalcopyrite, pyrite, and bornite, with a smaller amount of covellite and sphalerite and significant traces of gold, which are distributed mainly in sulfides. Copper and gold mineralization of Danyore Valley is associated with phyllic, propylitic, and carbonatization alteration assemblages. Metal-rich quartz veins exhibit a spatial correlation with diorite and gabbro rocks. The discovery of several surface Cu-Au vein-type mineralized areas accompanying outcrops of copper supergene enrichment at the Danyore Valley prospect is significant evidence (predictor patterns) of porphyry-style deposits in the Gilgit district, Kohistan terrane, northern Pakistan. This work also advocates the importance of the Danyore Valley prospect and Kohistan Batholith region for further detailed geological studies.

The oil and gas industry in Nigeria, a vital contributor to the nation's economy, has long been associated with significant environmental challenges. Pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions have raised global concerns about sustainability and corporate responsibility. This empirical study explores the relationship between environmental accounting practices and the financial performance of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. We investigated eight oil and gas companies that are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market (NGX) as of January 17, 2022, from 2011 to 2022. The study employs Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and reveals that environmental accounting had significant effects on returns on assets, earnings per share, and liquidity ratio. The study revealed that the implementation of environmental accounting practices had diverse effects on the performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The findings encourage policymakers and stakeholders in the sector to utilise the insights and design more effective regulations and incentives that promote environmental corporate responsibility. Also, valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with adopting environmental accounting practices, and influencing the decision-making processes of corporate stakeholders were provided to ensure sustainability in terms of improved financial performance of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Taeniid infections pose a significant threat to both animal and public health, as certain tapeworms within this group can also infect humans, potentially leading to severe health conditions. Therefore, this calls for preventive and control measures, such as regular deworming of dogs. While the efficacy of deworming has been established in developed countries, there is a paucity of reported deworming practices in rural areas of developing countries, such as Tanzania. This study aims to understand determinants for helminth treatment-seeking behavior towards control of cestodial taeniid infections in rural settings in northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in agropastoral and pastoral areas of northern Tanzania. Comprehensive data from household surveys in selected sub-villages were collected to ascertain dog ownership, dog deworming practices, and the availability of dewormers. Analytical methods were employed to discern how various determinants influenced deworming practices among dog owners in these communities. Awareness of dewormers specifically formulated for dogs emerged as a pivotal factor affecting dog deworming practices. Dog owners who were informed about appropriate dog dewormers were nearly two times more likely to engage in deworming compared to those with limited knowledge (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.77 - 4.18, p < 0.001). A majority 32(51.6%, 95% CI: 38.7-64.3) acknowledged accessing dewormers for livestock within their wards. Praziquantel a potent dewormer on cestodes was least known to most dog owners 2(13%, 95% CI: 2.3-41.6). Praziquantel, a potent and common dewormer effective against cestodial taeniid infections, remains relatively unknown in rural areas of northern Tanzania. Therefore, more awareness on appropriate deworming agents against taeniids in dogs should be raised in rural dog-keeping communities.